Have you ever wondered what happens if you need medical help urgently while in Buenos Aires? Welcome to “SAME, the Emergency Service of Buenos Aires: Everything You Need to Know,” presented by ExpatPathways.
This indispensable guide is tailored for foreigners, digital nomads, and expats, offering an in-depth look at Buenos Aires’ premier emergency medical service.
From understanding how to contact SAME in an emergency to appreciating the breadth of their operations, we ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to handle any situation with confidence.
Stay safe and informed while enjoying the dynamic environment of Buenos Aires with our comprehensive overview.
SAME, the emergency service of Buenos Aires: everything you need to know
What is SAME?
SAME (Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias) operates under the Ministry of Health of the Buenos Aires City Government and is dedicated to providing timely medical response for pre-hospital emergencies and urgent care across the city.
This critical service is delivered through mobile units manned by drivers trained in basic emergency procedures and doctors who are part of SAME’s permanent staff.
The service’s extensive operations are supported by specialized vehicles for neonatal care, catastrophe units, coronary units, transfer units, and support units.
SAME’s effectiveness is a result of the seamless integration of human resources and material assets at the event site, facilitated by excellent communication among mobile sanitary units, the Special Events Device (UT), the SAME Operational Center, and various SAME devices, such as the Unified Emergency Communication Team (ECUES), Human Factors, or SAME Air.
Importance of SAME Reflected in Key Data
- Annually assists an average of 250,000 people.
- Employs 1,300 personnel, including 500 drivers, 350 doctors of various specialties, and 250 radio operators, plus nurses and administrative staff.
- Operates 90 high-tech ambulances.
- Manages 14 extrahospital bases throughout the city.
- Utilizes 2 helicopters with 20 helipads, the latest at Elizalde Hospital.
- Equipped with 4 telemedicine units.
Operational Structure of SAME
SAME’s medical emergency services are part of a comprehensive network that includes the Emergency Departments of General and Specialized Acute Hospitals, providing care at increasing levels of complexity. The main activities are coordinated from various locations depending on the needs:
- Central Headquarters (Monasterio 480, Parque Patricios): Home to the General Management, the “107 MONASTERIO” Operational Center, the extrahospital base “Monasterio”, Emergency Management, Medical Departments, Technical, Administrative, and General Areas.
- Rodó Base (J. E. Rodó 4477, Parque Chacabuco): Houses the Sub-Management of Fleet Administration and its administrative support staff.
Hospital and Extrahospital Bases
Hospital bases are located within the Emergency Departments of General Acute Hospitals under the City’s Health Ministry. They consist of emergency vehicles, ambulance drivers, and SAME staff doctors covering the health needs of their respective areas.
The 14 extrahospital bases situated strategically around the city (based on population density, distance from main hospitals, and key traffic and congregation areas) aim to reduce response times and work in collaboration with nearby hospitals. Plans are underway to open additional extrahospital bases.
Operational Sectors
- Emergency Operational Center: Manages incident responses involving aid requests, transfers, judicial requirements, special events, and disaster and mass casualty operations through a high-tech center equipped with a call handling system, ambulance dispatch, and a 36-screen video wall for real-time monitoring.
- Resource and Logistics Center: Coordinates supply management and planning to meet the fleet’s needs, including provisioning and maintaining disposable materials, biosecurity kits, defibrillators, and respirators. It also handles medical staff coordination across operational bases.
Mobile Resources
SAME’s fleet includes high-complexity ambulances equipped for advanced life support, as defined by CABA Law No. 1850.
The fleet encompasses coronary units, neonatal transfer units, psychiatric transfer units, and specialized vehicles for various interventions and support logistics.
Furthermore, SAME operates rapid intervention vehicles and transfer vehicles (for staff, blood, and blood products transport), all equipped with GPS technology for efficient resource management based on real-time location data.
Since 2015, new ambulances have been introduced with manual and automatic Stryker® stretchers, continuously updated to comply with local regulations requiring periodic maintenance and renewal, reflecting decades of advancement in number, technology, and equipment.
Area of Operations of SAME
SAME is an integral part of the Ministry of Health of the Buenos Aires City Government, primarily tasked with providing medical emergency and urgency responses throughout the city.
Its operations encompass a wide range of scenarios, from individual emergencies to large-scale public health crises.
The service is dedicated to addressing medical incidents that occur within the geographical confines of Buenos Aires City, ensuring that every emergency is met with a swift and professional response.
How to Contact SAME
In case of a medical emergency within Buenos Aires, residents and visitors can contact SAME by dialing 107.
This emergency contact number is operational 24 hours a day, every day, ensuring that help is always just a call away.
Whether it’s a minor injury or a critical emergency, SAME’s dedicated team is ready to provide assistance and guide you through the crisis.
When or Why You Should Contact SAME
SAME should be contacted whenever there is a medical emergency or urgent situation requiring pre-hospital care. Here’s how SAME responds to emergencies:
- Receiving Calls: SAME operators receive calls requesting pre-hospital medical services.
- Dispatching Aid: Aid is promptly dispatched to the location of the incident.
- Pre-Arrival Instructions: Medical regulators may provide essential pre-arrival instructions to individuals at the scene, helping to manage the situation until professional help arrives.
- Patient Transport: Patients are transported to the nearest suitable hospital for further medical treatment.
Responsibilities of SAME
- Emergency Definition: SAME defines what constitutes a medical emergency or urgency, both for individuals and groups.
- Emergency Measures: It implements measures to mitigate the effects of incidents.
- Hospital Coordination: SAME coordinates patient care in hospitals until they can be appropriately transferred.
- Risk Management: Planning activities are carried out to foresee, prevent, and reduce risks in emergency medical situations.
- Emergency Plans: SAME develops emergency medical plans and operational regulation guides.
- Information Dissemination: Information about medical emergencies is distributed to the general public.
Additional Functions
- SAME also engages in several preventive and support activities:
- Public Event Support: Programs and actions to provide emergency medical support at public gatherings.
- Patient Transfers: Management of patient transfers and telemedicine consultations for ships at high sea and aircraft.
- Community Support: Offers free pediatric and obstetric care lines, night pediatric care, and supports the city’s organ procurement and transplantation program.
- Human Factors Team: Comprising psychiatrists and psychologists who support both SAME personnel and the affected individuals or families.
- Official Coverage: Provides health coverage for heads of state and foreign dignitaries during official visits.
- Integration with SAR (Search and Rescue System): In cases of aerial accidents and incidents.
Last Considerations
Understanding the capabilities and efficiency of SAME, an emergency service renowned for its speed and numerous accolades both in Argentina and across the region, is crucial for anyone visiting or living in Buenos Aires.
To ensure your safety while enjoying the myriad delights of this bustling city, always keep your travel insurance current and the SAME emergency contact number (107) easily accessible on your phone.
This simple preparation can offer immense peace of mind, allowing you to fully immerse in the local culture and experiences.
Remember, safety is just a button away, ensuring that your adventures in Buenos Aires are not only memorable but also secure, thanks to the reliable information from ExpatPathways.
(Featured Image Source: martmdn/flickr.com)
