The emergency the generic emergency number for Spain and the rest of Europe for fire, police or ambulance service is 112. The number is free to call and the operators should speak English. But be aware that you have to know where you are, so always try to keep a map to hand or know how to use your satnav! NB normal mobile phone coverage is patchy in rural and mountainous areas, so calling recovery services can be a problem. Note too that smart phones use their battery life very quickly q¡when they are constantly seeking coverage.
The Fire Brigade: Bomberos
Remember that everyone has a responsibility to report forest fires. This sounds dramatic – but then so is a forest fire! Don’t worry about raising a false alarm – there is a system of permits for planned burns of scrub, for example, and never underestimate a fire’s ability to cut you off – even on the tarmac.
Ambulance:
Emergency ambulances are operated by various NGO’s such as the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and Protección Civil as well as mutuas (mutual insurance societies). If you see a Cuz Roja post you can go in and ask for help for first aid, etc. but not for ailments – go to a chemists – farmacias, which have green cross signs.
Accident and Emergency: Urgencias
Major hospitals and some health centres (CAP – Centro Attención Primaria) have emergency departments, Urgencias, where you can walk in for treatment – be sure to have your insurance or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to hand.
Non-urgent ’emergencies’:
Theft – the Policia Nacional (091) look after theft In the Basque Country Catalonia and Navarre their own police forces do this, but the 091 number should work. It may be worth going to the local police force first though 092. See ‘The Police’ for more on this.
Illness – go to an Urgencias, Cruz Roja or CAP.(Centro de Atención Primaria) It’s also worth going to a farmacia as they always have a trained pharmacist on the premises who can offer a range of treatments, cures, patches, etc. but you will have to pay for this even with an EHIC, so keep the receipt for your travel insureance.