Let's talk for a moment about the emergency services here in France . There are three numbers, not one, as in the UK . Depending on who you want, it is important that you do know who to call, these are the numbers....

Police 17, Ambulance 15 and Fire 18.

In a medical emergency you must dial 18, as this will get you the Para-medics. Dialling 15 for an ambulance will not get you the same type of service as in the UK .

A friend of mine fell, and knew that she had broken something, and when the ambulance arrived it was an estate car with a driver. They take people to and from hospital for appointments, if you can't walk unaided, or can't get there on your own.

So of course they did not know how to lift her into the car, and she had in fact broken her pelvis.

One thing I advise everyone to do is write down in French the directions to your house. In a medical emergency you may panic and all knowledge of the French language leave you.

If you can't speak and write French well, get a neighbour or friend to do this for you.
I personally think this is vital, as someone's life may depend upon it.

The Fire and Para medics service are excellent, that is why every year when they come around selling their calendars I buy one.

Even though I've bought one from the postman, the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.

And I've received one free from the pharmacy, insurance agent and Uncle Tom Cobbly.

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