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Emergency Services: What to Know While in Greece

Greece is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. While enjoying your time in Greece, it’s essential to be aware of the emergency services available to ensure your safety and well-being. This article aims to provide you with detailed information about emergency services in Greece, including contact numbers, locations, and important tips to remember in case of an emergency.

Medical Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency in Greece, it’s crucial to know how to seek medical assistance promptly. Here are some key points to remember:

• Emergency Number: Dial 112 for immediate medical assistance in Greece.

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• Hospitals and Clinics: Greece has a well-developed healthcare system with numerous hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Some prominent hospitals include:
• Evangelismos General Hospital in Athens
• Papageorgiou General Hospital in Thessaloniki
• University General Hospital of Heraklion in Crete
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies, known as “Farmakeio” in Greek, can be found in every city and town. Look for the green cross sign, indicating a pharmacy. In case of non-emergency medical needs, pharmacists can provide advice and recommend over-the-counter medications.
• Health Insurance: It’s essential to have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses in Greece. Check with your insurance provider before traveling to ensure coverage for emergencies.
• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation in case of serious illness or injury.

Police Assistance

If you find yourself in a situation requiring police assistance, here’s what you need to know:

• Emergency Number: Dial 112 to reach the police in Greece.

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• Police Stations: Police stations, known as “Astynomia” in Greek, are located in every city and town. It’s advisable to report any incident or seek assistance directly at the nearest police station.
• Tourist Police: Greece has dedicated Tourist Police units to assist visitors. They can provide information, support, and guidance in multiple languages. Look for officers wearing a white hat with “Tourist Police” written on it.
• Lost or Stolen Documents: If your passport or other important documents are lost or stolen, report it immediately to the nearest police station and contact your embassy or consulate for further assistance.

Fire and Rescue Services

In case of a fire or other emergencies requiring rescue services, keep the following in mind:

• Emergency Number: Dial 112 to reach the fire and rescue services in Greece.

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• Fire Stations: Fire stations, known as “Pyrosvestiko Soma” in Greek, are strategically located across Greece. Firefighters are trained to handle various emergency situations, including fires, accidents, and natural disasters.
• Forest Fires: Greece is prone to forest fires, especially during the hot summer months. If you notice a fire, call emergency services immediately and evacuate the area following local authorities’ instructions.
• Water Safety: Greece offers beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines, including swimming in designated areas, respecting warning signs, and being cautious of strong currents or sudden weather changes.

Embassies and Consulates

If you require assistance from your embassy or consulate while in Greece, here’s what you should know:

• Embassy and Consulate Locations: Most countries have embassies or consulates in Greece, primarily located in Athens. Check with your embassy or consulate before traveling to know their exact location and contact details.
• Emergency Contact: Keep the emergency contact number of your embassy or consulate saved in your phone and easily accessible in case of any urgent matters requiring their assistance.
• Lost or Stolen Passport: If your passport is lost or stolen, contact your embassy or consulate immediately to report the incident and follow their instructions to obtain a new travel document.

Conclusion

When visiting Greece, being aware of the available emergency services is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Remember to save the emergency contact numbers in your phone, familiarize yourself with local police stations and hospitals, and ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage. By staying prepared, you can enjoy your time in Greece with confidence, knowing that help is readily available if needed.

References

– Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organization: visitgreece.gr
– Ministry of Health of Greece: moh.gov.gr
– Greek Police: police.gov.gr
– Greek Fire Service: fire.gr
– Embassies and Consulates in Greece: mfa.gr