Emergency Services in Rural Mexico
If you are an adventurous soul, you might find yourself in rural Mexico — with a medical issue. Response times could be hours and there are fewer ambulances, rough roads, and limited 911 coverage.
- In remote areas, the Red Cross might not reach you. Knowing your area is a must for emergencies.
- In some remote areas, the locals use the Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels), a government-funded roadside assistance group. They are not trained medical professionals.
- The Ángeles Verdes can be reached by calling 078 for assistance.
- Be prepared to drive to a local clinic.
- A back-up plan is necessary. Carry a satphone if you’re off-grid. Rural EMS exists, but it’s thin. Know where the nearest clinic is located.
- Spanish is the default language for Mexico’s 911 emergency system.
- In major cities, like Cancún, English-specking operators may be available if you request one.
- There is no guarantee, especially in rural areas, that English will be available. English support is rare.
- Don’t assume English will work.
- Learn key phrases; “accidente” (accident),”ayuda” (help), “herido” (injured) These can help you get assistance fast.
Getting Emergency service in your home in Mexico
- EMT’s in Mexico are not allowed to break into your home to reach you without verbal consent. This rule exists because they can’t legally damage property, like kicking in a door or smashing a window to gain entry. They need your verbal permission to “break in”.
- If you live alone, this makes having a friend or neighbor ( a medical buddy) with a spare key, critical.
- If you can make a call, contact your buddy and 911 right away.
- Your friend or neighbor with a spare key can unlock the door while emergency services are on their way
- Without that backup, you could be stuck waiting, unable to let help in.
Green Angles Emergency Services
- Stuck on a highway with a flat tire or fender-bender? Green Angels might be your lifeline.
- Dial 078 and these government-funded road warriors will arrive to help you out.
- They patrol federal highways in green SUVs, offering free help – think first aid, towing or basic repairs.
- They are not EMS, so don’t expect an ambulance.
- Coverage in rural areas is not available and night shifts in some areas are limited.
- If a crash leaves you stranded, they’ll patch you up and coordinate the next steps.
- The good news, they speak English!
♦ This is the last article in our three-part series. I hope it’s given you some good advice and made information available to you. If you’re on vacation, either staying in a hotel, condo or private home, there is a great chance someone will be around to help you out. You can always knock on a neighbor’s door to ask for help, ask a worker in your complex/home to direct you to someone in management to help as well.
I keep a sheet on my fridge with emergency numbers, key Spanish words, and people to call if I have an emergency. Living alone can have its challenges! A great cheat sheet would benefit us all, being a tourist or resident.
Safe travels!
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