The action to take in a medical emergency depends on the degree of urgency.
Keep a record of the telephone numbers of your doctor, local hospital and clinic, ambulance service, dentist and other emergency services (fire, police) next to your telephone.
Emergency numbers are also displayed prominently at the front of all telephone directories. If you’re unsure whom to call, dial the free national emergency number 113 and you will be put in touch with the relevant service. Note the following recommended courses of action:
In Italy it’s an offence to offer medical assistance in an emergency if you aren’t a doctor or qualified in first aid, although it’s also an offence not to assist someone in an emergency, e.g. by calling the appropriate emergency service or offering first aid when qualified to do so.
If you have an existing medical problem that cannot easily be seen or recognised, e.g. a heart condition, diabetes, a severe allergy or epilepsy, or you have a rare blood group, you may wish to join MedicAlert. MedicAlert members wear an internationally recognised identification bracelet or necklace, on the back of which is engraved details of your medical condition, your membership number and a 24-hour emergency phone number. When you’re unable to speak for yourself, doctors, police or paramedics can obtain immediate, vital medical information from anywhere in the world by calling this number.
MedicAlert is a non-profit registered charity and members pay for the cost of the bracelet or necklace (from GBP20, plus an annual fee of GBP30). You can now renew your membership by Direct Debit. All members who renew membership receive a GBP2.50 discount. The first year's membership, which includes any jewellery, must be paid by card or cheque.
For more information
This article is an extract from Living and Working in Italy from Survival Books.