How to Handle Medical Emergencies for Expats in Shanghai

In case of a medical emergency, knowing what to do and where to go is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide to handling a medical emergency in Shanghai:

Step 1: Assess the Situation

• Determine the urgency of the situation: If the injury or illness is life-threatening or involves serious trauma (e.g., heavy bleeding, unconsciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing), it's essential to act quickly.

• Keep calm: Panic can make the situation worse. Try to stay calm and assess what assistance is needed.

Step 2: Call for Help

• Emergency Services: The emergency number in China is 120. When calling, provide the operator with your location, a description of the situation, and any details about the patient’s condition.

  • If possible, have someone who speaks Chinese assist in making the call.

  • For non-life-threatening situations, or if you’re unsure, you may want to contact your healthcare provider first or go directly to an international hospital.

Step 3: Use Emergency Transport if Necessary

• Ambulance: If an ambulance is needed, the emergency number 120 will dispatch one to your location. However, note that response times can vary, and the quality of services may differ depending on the area. Expats often prefer to call a taxi or use ride-sharing services (like Didi), especially if they need to go to an international hospital quickly.

• Emergency Services in International Hospitals: Many international hospitals in Shanghai, such as Shanghai United Family Hospital and ParkwayHealth, have emergency departments that are accustomed to foreign patients. If you can, you can choose to go directly to these hospitals instead of waiting for an ambulance.

Step 4: Communicate with Medical Professionals

• Language Barrier: While many international hospitals have English-speaking staff, communication can be difficult at public hospitals. If you are at a public hospital, ask for a translator or have a bilingual friend accompany you.

• Medical History: Be prepared to provide basic medical history if needed, including allergies, pre-existing conditions, and any medications you are currently taking. This information is crucial for the treating doctors.

Step 5: Post-Emergency Care

• Follow-up Care: After the emergency treatment, it’s important to follow up with the doctor to ensure full recovery. Depending on the severity of the situation, your doctor may recommend ongoing treatment or observation.

• Insurance Claims: If your insurance plan offers coverage for emergency services, be sure to keep all receipts and documentation for claims processing. Many international hospitals in Shanghai will handle insurance claims directly with your provider.

Knowing how to assess, respond to, and manage a medical emergency ensures that you can act quickly and efficiently in a crisis, reducing the risk of complications.

Tags:
#EmergencyServices #ExpatHealth #ShanghaiHealthcare #MedicalEmergencies #EmergencyAssistance #ExpatLife #AmbulanceShanghai