Emergency Information

In the case of a major medical emergency, you should first call the Záchranná služba, the state ambulance service.  The ambulance driver will take you to the nearest or best-equipped hospital for your problem.  It is possible to request a specific hospital, but the decision depends on the availability of beds at the hospital you request. Ultimately it is the decision of the ambulance service.

Not all the staff at Záchranná služba speak English.  Expats should keep in mind a few phrases.  Nehoda means “accident,” pomoc is the word for “help,” and nemocnice is “hospital.”  Give the operator the name and address where the ambulance is needed.

If you are not incapacitated or have someone to help, you can go to a nearby hospital or one of the 24-hour clinics that cater to foreigners.

If medication is needed in an emergency, and you have a prescription, you can go to a lékárna (pharmacy) to have it filled. The lékárny are marked by a large green cross. In addition to prescription drugs, a lékárna carries over-the-counter medications. To find a 24-hour pharmacy near you, look in the front of the Yellow Pages under Lékárny s nepřetržitou pohotovostní službou. Many items which can be purchased over the counter in other countries are available here only with a doctor’s prescription. The “drogerie” carry only general personal care items, and not prescriptions.

In the unfortunate event of the death of a family member, contact your embassy.  Many embassies can also help provide referral for a wide variety of unique medical needs.

Emergency Numbers:

Useful Czech Phrases for Emergencies:

If you have a fire at your house: “Na adrese . . . hoři.  Prosím přijedte. ”(At [your address] fire. Please come.)

If you need an ambulance: “Poslete pr.osím sanitku na adrese . . ..” (Please send an ambulance to [your address])

If someone is breaking into your house: “Příjedte prosím na adresu….  Jsou tu zlodeji.” (Please come to [your address]. There is a break-in.)

See useful phone numbers

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