Living abroad always provides new challenges, not least of which is how what to do in the event of an emergency!

Today I am going to write about four such emergencies:

In an Emergency – What to to when a death occurs

⦁ First call the local police on 092 – stating who has died
⦁ mu husband/wife/partner is dead (in Spanish Mi marido.mujer/pareja esta muerto, followed by I live in Vivo en …)
⦁ If your loved one was under medical supervision, also call the doctor who was treating them. The doctor is responsible for issuing the Death Certificate.
⦁ Then call a funeral director, who will send undertakers and will require the FULL ID of the deceased.
⦁ The doctor of funeral director will also be able to direct you to the nearest civil registry where you must register the death within 24 hours. The funeral service normally takes place within 24-49 hours of death.
⦁ If the body is to be repatriated then ensure the passport is kept with the body.

In an Emergency – What to do when there is a break in

⦁ There are two type of break-in
⦁ when you are out of the premises – here you must ring 902 102 112 to report the crime, known as a ‘denouncia’. You may say something like (I need you to send a police car, I have been robbed – necesito una patrulla, han entado en mi casa a robar or I live in Vivo en…)
⦁ when you are on the premises – here remain calm, keep quiet, and contact emergency services on 112 immeditely. Tell them (I am at home and someone has broke in – Estoy en casa y hay un intruso, I live in Vivo en…)

In an Emergency – What to do in the event of an injury

⦁ Should you or a family member or friend suffer a serious injury at home the first thing to do is call the emergency services on 112 or 061 and say (I need an ambulance – Necesito una ambulanci, and I live in – Vivo en…)
⦁ Hospitals must treat you in the event of a serious emergency, regardless of your financial insurance situation.
⦁ Remember always carry identification with you and your EHIC card if you have one

In an Emergency – What to do when your car breaksdown

⦁ Stay calm and wear the reflective vest
⦁ Get to a safe area near the accident scene, turn on your emergency flashers and use the two triangles
⦁ Make sure everyone is okay and call 112, if necessary
⦁ When it is safe, take pictures of the vehicles involved, damage, road signs, etc.
⦁ Get statements and contact information from any witnesses
⦁ Complete the accident report: write down the other driver’s licence number, insurance details, vehicle information and phone number. Remember it has to be signed by both drivers and reported within seven days; If you need road assistance, call immediately to your insurance provider, where you will be attended in your own language (hopefully)