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China, in general, is a very safe country to live in. Even in a big city like Shanghai, the violent crime rate is very low – the biggest worries here tend to be theft or pick pocketing. It is always better to be prepared, however, whether you have a sudden medical emergency, you’re involved in a traffic accident, or you get your passport stolen or lost.

There are a few general rules you should know, regardless of the specific emergency. Unlike the West, where dialing 911 gets you any type of help you may need, there are three numbers in China delegated for more specific purposes. If you’re in need of first aid services, dial 120; for the police, dial 110; and for the fire department, dial 119. These numbers are the same no matter where you travel in mainland China, so it’s a good idea to simply program them into your cell phone on the off chance you will ever need them.

Medical emergencies
Shanghai is certainly one of the best cities in China to be in if a medical emergency arises. The abundance of Western hospitals and healthcare facilities makes it relatively easy (if not expensive) to find the care you need. The important thing is to check out the hospitals before you have an emergency, so you can decide which one includes the services and care that are right for you. Many Chinese hospitals here also have “Western” wings, where you’ll find more English speaking doctors and up-to-date equipment than you would in the regular sections of these hospitals.

Health insurance specific to your home country is very rarely accepted at these hospitals, so it’s important to find international health insurance that’s appropriate for you and your family (for recommendations on international health insurance, click here). Just be sure to carry your international health insurance card with you at all times to minimize complication and confusion at the time of a medical emergency. All international healthcare companies provide an emergency hotline that you can call 24 hours a day, and they often provide direct billing which comes in handy during hospital visits (if you choose to go to a Chinese hospital, it’s recommended you bring between 10,000-20,000 RMB in cash with you, as you are expected to pay upfront once you are admitted).

Many hospitals also have emergency hotlines, such as Shanghai United Family Hospital (021 2216 3999/5133 1999). If you need an interpreter at any of these facilities, simply call the Shanghai Call Center at 962288 and they will provide English service for you at no charge. Your embassy will also likely have an emergency number you can call at any time. For example, the US embassy has a hotline (021 6433 3936) that is manned by Marines 24 hours a day. Their websites can also provide additional tips and suggestions on where to go in case of a medical emergency. See below for a listing of some embassies located in Shanghai.

If the medical emergency you are having or witnessing requires an ambulance, be aware that it will take some time and cost a “service fee” at the time of arrival at the hospital. No hospitals in Shanghai have their own ambulances, so calling 120 will automatically get you one from the Shanghai Ambulance Center. While they run 24 hours a day, most drivers speak little to no English, so make sure you are able to communicate where you want to go in Chinese (either verbal or written).

Nuclear Radiation

One type of medical emergency people never thought much of until the Japan disaster is nuclear radiation. Many rumors have been swirling about how to best react if exposed to high levels (hint: it has nothing to do with salt). While it has been confirmed (and reconfirmed) that there is no threat here in Shanghai, there are a few things you can do if this unlikely situation ever occurs. Most people have heard that potassium iodide, the “standard treatment” for radiation, can help. This is true, as the iodide counteracts the radioactive iodine in your thyroid – one of the main organs targeted by nuclear radiation. There are easier ways to protect yourself before, during, and after radiation exposure, however.

1. Increase your intake of beta carotene (a form of Vitamin A) by eating more sweet potateoes, carrots, spinach, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A.
2. Eggs, which are high in sulfur, also help counteract the harmful effects of radiation.
3. Sodium alginate, found in sea vegetables like kelp, assist in neutralizing radioactive substances. Be careful of consuming too much, however, because this can actually harm a healthy thyroid due to their high levels of iodine.
4. Squalene, a chemical found in olives, olive oil, and shark liver oil, has been proven to prevent radiation poisoning too.

While the chances of being exposed to radiation (besides the everyday exposure we get from the sun and other natural sources) are slim, these radiation “tips” also happen to contribute to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents are a daily occurrence here in Shanghai, so the likelihood that you will be involved in, or witness one, is pretty high. 2007 saw 9,000 accidents, with a 19% fatality rate – in Shanghai alone. And those numbers have only increased in the wake of China’s automotive boom. After an accident, help any injured people, being careful not to move anyone who looks like they may have spine or neck injuries. Immediately dial 112 for the police and 120 if first aid is required.

Keep in mind that you are required to stay on the scene until police arrive if you are involved in an accident. Once they do, you are expected to show your ID and explain what happened. While the police are legally required to provide an interpreter if you don’t speak Chinese, this rarely happens. Do not sign any forms unless you know what they mean. If the police refuse to provide you an interpreter, immediately call your embassy for assistance. Dealing with the police in these types of situations is often a long and painful process, but it must be done.

Lost or Stolen Passport
After you recover from the sinking feeling you get when you realize your passport is missing, immediately report it to the police. You have to do this in order to apply for a new visa because the Entry and Exit Administration office will require this police report in order to file your request. Next, you have to report the loss (with the police report in hand) to the Shanghai Entry and Exit Administration of the Public Security Bureau. They are located in the Pudong New Area at 1208 Minsheng Lu, near Yinchun Lu (民生路1208号). Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4:30pm, and the telephone number is 021 6854 9999.

You will need to bring a photocopy of your lost or stolen passport, so make sure this is something you have on you at all times (I recommend putting a copy in your wallet and leaving a copy at home, just in case).

Consulates in Shanghai:

U.S. Consulate GeneralView In Map
Add: 1469 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市美国领事馆, 淮海中路1469号, 近乌鲁木齐路
Telephone: 021 6433 6880
Website: shanghai.usembassy-china.org.cn/

British Consulate GeneralView In Map
Add: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Tongren Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市南京西路1376号， 近同人路
Telephone: 021 3279 2000
Website: ukinchina.fco.gov.uk/en

German Consulate GeneralView In Map
Add: 181 Yongfu Lu, near Shanghai Library, Shanghai
地址：上海市永福路181号，近上海图书馆
Telephone: 021 3401 0106
Website: shanghai.diplo.de/Vertretung/shanghai/de/Startseite.html

French Consulate GeneralView In Map
Add: 2/F, 689 Guangdong Lu, near Yunnan Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市广东路689号2楼， 近云南路
Telephone: 021 6135 2000
Website: www.consulfrance-shanghai.org

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Keywords: Emergencies Shanghai traffic accidents Shanghai lost passport Shanghai how to deal with emergencies Shanghai