Nobody wants to think about it, but especially when on holidays, and especially abroad, it is important to know who to call when there is some kind of emergency. It does not need to be a serious emergency, but even for smaller problems, getting help may become a problem itself. Each country has its own way of doing things, dealing with emergencies and organizing the service.
Unlike other countries where there is just one number to call to find operators that deal with all kind of emergencies, in Italy, and therefore in Tuscany, there are several short numbers to get more direct help. Of course you can call the 113 and 112 to ask for help and be redirected to the most appropriate service, but this usually takes a little extra time, something precious when dealing with emergencies, don’t you agree?
118 – Ambulance – To call an ambulance in Italy is free of charge, same goes for the possible transport to the hospital. Depending on the gravity of the case (few simple questions will be asked to you) you will be assigned a code (green , yellow or red) related to the gravity and emergency of your call and to determine weather a physician is needed. In case a doctor is needes, she/he will ride in the ambulance.
115 – Firefighters – You can call the firefighters for troubles obviously related to fire, but also to all hazardous materials (abandoned gas tanks, fuel spills, etc.), flooding, hazardous tree branches and trunks removal, and when you forgot the keys of your villa or apartment!
113 – Police – The number to call the state police service is 113. It is recommendable to call the police when dealing with problems related to personal and home security, car accidents, and to signal an emergency on the road in which you are not involved and cannot stop to help out. For traffic issues you will be redirected to Polstrada, no other action is required.
112 – Carabinieri – Another policing service that you may call just like the state police, they respond to the same kind of emergencies. This is also the european emergency number that lets the operators localize your address automatically if you call from a landline, or your position if you are calling with a cell phone. The number is active on cell phones even without a sim card, but you must have a 900 or 1800 gsm or umts phone.
117 – Finanza – It is very unlikely that you will need such a number, but in case you feel like you have been a victim of a fraud, you can call the number and get the help of the specialists.
803116 or 803803 – Traffic – These numbers put you in contact with private agencies that rescue travelers on highways that are experiencing car damages or other difficulties. These are toll free numbers.
You will surely never need these numbers while in Tuscany, or Italy, but just write them down somewhere before departing, just for your peace of mind!
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