You should describe the situation and your location carefully and answer any questions the operator asks you. Don’t hang up until the emergency operator says that the call is complete. It’s important that he understands the situation so that the proper emergency services are dispatched.
Not all hospitals in Luxembourg have emergency services, and out of hours coverage is rotated among the hospitals in the area. Only the duty hospital can provide emergency services, so you need to know which it is. The duty schedule is published in newspapers and often posted in pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries as well as at hospitals. The cost of ambulance services is reclaimable under most health insurance plans, but check your policy for specific conditions or limitations. If the emergency isn’t life-threatening, you should try contacting your doctor first.
If you need a doctor outside normal office hours, you should first try contacting your regular doctor, either at home or through his answering service. (Keep the number near your telephone.) It’s sensible to ask your doctor early on how emergencies ( cas d’urgence/spoedgeval) should be handled, as some medical systems and insurers insist on doctor authorisation for emergency services such as ambulances and hospital admissions in all except life-threatening situations. Not all hospitals have emergency facilities, and even those that do may not be open all the time. It’s obviously best to check these things before you actually need them.
Most emergency operators can speak English, although not necessarily fluently. In an emergency, no matter what language you’re using, try to remember to speak slowly and distinctly, giving the operator all the information needed, such as your exact location and what assistance is needed. It’s wise to practise giving your name, phone number and address and spelling critical details (like your street name) in the local language so as to avoid confusion – especially over the phone.
If you suffer from a condition that may need emergency treatment, you should carry a written description of the condition, the medicines you’re taking, including doses, and any other relevant details. This can be in English or the local language and will save you considerable time (and possibly your life) if a medical emergency strikes and you’re unable to speak for yourself.
This article is an extract from Living and Working in Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg.