Health and security in France

Health and security in France

Paris is as safe or as dangerous as you make it – common sense is usually sufficient to stay out of trouble. If, on the other hand, you are sick during your visit, pharmacists are an excellent source of advice. In France pharmacists can diagnose many health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. For more serious medical help, someone at the emergency numbers below will be able

to deal with most inquiries. There are many specialized services available, including a general advice line for English-speakers in crisis, an English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous group, and a phoneline for psychiatric help.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

SAMU (ambulance)

Tel 15 (freecall).

Police

Tel 17 (freecall).

Pompiers 

(fire department)

Tel 18 (freecall).

European Emergency Call

Tel 112 (freecall).

SOS Medecin 

(doctor, house calls)

Tel 0820 33 24 24.

SOS Dentaire (dentist)

Tel 01 43 37 51 00.

Burn Specialists

Hôpital Cochin 75014.

Tel 01 58 41 41 41.

SOS Help (English

language crisis line)

Tel 01 46 21 46 46.

SOS Dépression 

(for psychiatric help)

Tel 08 92 70 12 38.

Sexual Disease Center

Tel 01 40 78 26 00.

Family Planning Center

Tel 01 42 60 93 20/0800 803 803.

Anti Poison Center

 Tel 01 40 05 48 48.

PERSONAL SECURITY

For a city of over 2 million people, Paris is surprisingly safe. The center of the city in particular has little violent crime. Muggings and brawls do occur, but they are rare compared to many other

world capitals. However, try to avoid poorly lit or isolated places. Beware of pickpockets, especially on the metro during the rush hour. Keep all valuables securely concealed, and if you carry a purse or case, never let it out of your sight.

When traveling late at night, avoid long transfers in metro stations such as Montparnasse and Châtelet-Les-Halles. Generally, areas around RER train stations tend to attract groups of youths from outlying areas who come to Paris for entertainment, and may become unruly. The last runs each night of RER trains to and from outlying areas should also be avoided. In an emergency in the metro, call the station agent by using the yellow telephone marked Chef de Station on all metro and

RER platforms, or go to the ticket booth at the entrance.

Most metro stations also have emergency buttons. Coaches also have alarm pulls. If there is a problem outside stations, or at bus stops, telephone the police by dialing 17.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Take great care with your personal property at all times.

Make sure you insure your possessions before arrival. On sightseeing or entertainment trips do not carry valuables with you. Also, only take as much cash as you think you will need. Most places accept credit cards. Travelers’ checks are the safest method of carrying large sums of money. You should never leave your luggage unattended in metro or train stations – it may be stolen or cause a bomb scare. For missing persons, or in the case of robbery or assault, call the police or go to the nearest police station (Commissariat de Police). For lost or stolen passports call your consulate.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

All European Union nationals are entitled to French Social Security coverage. However, treatment must be paid for, and hospital rates vary widely. Reimbursements may be obtained if you have a

European Health Insurance Card, EHIC (available free to EU citizens), but the process is lengthy. Travel insurance is essential and non-EU nationals must carry their own medical insurance. Where possible, buy a policy which pays for medical treatment on the spot.

In the case of a medical emergency, call SAMU or the Pompiers (fire department).

Fire department ambulances are often the quickest to arrive at an emergency. First-aid and emergency treatment is provided at all fire stations.

Hospitals with emergency departments are shown on the Street Finder (see p390). For English-language visitors, there are two hospitals with English-speaking staff and doctors: the American Hospital and the British Hospital.

There are many pharmacies throughout the city, and a short list is provided here. Pharmacies are recognized by the green crosses on the shop front. At night and on Sundays, pharmacies show in

their doorway the address of the nearest one open.

DIRECTORY

LOST PROPERTY 

BUREAU

Service des Objets Trouvés,

36 Rue des Morillons 75015.

# 8:30am–5pm Mon–Thu,

8:30am–4:30pm Fri.

Tel 08 21 00 25 25.

MEDICAL CENTERS

American Hospital

63 Blvd Victor-Hugo, 

9220O Neuilly sur Seine.

Tel 01 46 41 25 25.

Private hospital. Inquire about insurance and costs.

British Hospital

3 Rue Barbès 92300

Levallois-Perret.

Tel 01 46 39 22 22.

A private hospital.

Centre Médical Europe

44 Rue d’Amsterdam 75009.

Tel 01 42 81 93 33.

For dentists Tel 01 42 81 80 00.

# 8am–8pm Mon–Sat. 

An inexpensive private clinic.

Appointments, or walk-in.

PHARMACIES

British and American

Pharmacy

1 Rue Auber 75009.

Tel 01 42 65 88 29.

# 8:30am–8:30pm Mon–Fri,

10am–8pm Sat.

Pharmacie Bader

12 Blvd St-Michel 75005.

Tel 01 43 26 92 66.

# 9am–9pm Mon–Sat, 

11am–9pm Sun.

Pharmacie Anglo-Americaine

37 Ave Marceau 75116.

Tel 01 47 20 57 37.

# 8:30am–7:30pm Mon–Fri,

9am–5pm Sat.

Pharmacie des Halles

10 Blvd Sebastopol 75004.

Tel 01 42 72 03 23.

# 9am–midnight Mon–Sat,

9am–10pm Sun.

Pharmacie Les Champs

84 Ave des Champs-Elysées

Tel 01 45 62 02 41.

# 24 hours daily.