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Il 118
The phone number 118 was established to help simplify as much as possible the request for help procedure. The number is valid across the entire Italian territory and does not require an area code: when the three numbers are entered, the call will be automatically diverted to the closest Operating Center. |
Only for emergencies
118 is strictly for emergencies and should be called only in case of real urgency: for all other cases you must refer to the ambulance service of your local ASL, if active, or a volunteer association. Emergency/urgent transportation is provided free of charge to citizens. If an ambulance is called for other, non urgent situations, all expenses will be charged to the party who made the request.
Calling 118 is very simple
♦ it can be called from any public phone without inserting money or pre-paid cards
♦ it can be called from any mobile phone even if the subscription or pre-paid card have expired: the telephone line
must still be active and, obviously, the handset’s battery must have enough charge
♦ the call is totally free of charge: therefore anyone can provide the use of their phone with no charge
What information should I have before calling 118?
In an emergency situation any useless information provided only wastes precious time, and any incomplete information may delay rescue and jeopardize human lives.
When you call 118 you must be able to say::
♦ number of patients, if more than one
♦ patient’s name and age
♦ exact address and information
home call::
♦ name of street or square and number
♦ name on bell
♦ nome sul campanello
♦ town or locality
♦ description of particular buildings and directions that may help recognize the spot
external call:
♦ urban references (streets, landmarks,…)
♦ Geographic references (lake, farm, …)
♦ street name and position (e.g.: Via Aurelia, near km 34)
♦ type of event (car accident, fall, illness, fire,…)
♦ Apparent clinical condition of the patient/patients (in particular if someone appears in life-threatening conditions)
♦ Potential critical issues:
♦ patients are stuck
♦ patients are unreachable
♦ roads are interrupted
♦ presence of fire
Based on the information provided, the dispatcher may ask additional questions to get a clearer understanding of the situation. It is important to stay calm and respond carefully: it will help to act in a more effective and targeted manner!
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