Do you know the crucial emergency numbers to have on hand while exploring this vibrant city? Whether you’re a digital nomad, traveler, or expat, being prepared for unforeseen situations is essential.
With a bustling metropolis like Buenos Aires, it’s important to stay informed about emergency contacts and services to ensure your safety.
From the City Police to the SAME and the Fire Department, discover where to call and what to do in times of need with this comprehensive guide by ExpatPathways.
Where to Call in Case of An Emergency in Buenos Aires
Navigating emergencies in a foreign city can be challenging, but knowing where to call can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a foreigner, digital nomad, or traveler in Buenos Aires, this guide will provide you with the necessary emergency numbers and essential information.
City Police (911)
The City Police is responsible for maintaining security in Buenos Aires. They have officers, vehicles, and the authority to ensure public safety and the free movement of people.
In case of any criminal incident, call 911. If there are injuries or health issues involved, also call SAME at 107.
Why Was the New Police Force Created?
In 2015, the national and local governments agreed to fully implement constitutional mandates, empowering the Buenos Aires City Government to manage policing in its territory. The City Legislature approved the Transfer Agreement, transferring non-federal security functions and resources from the national government to the city.
Objectives of the City Police
- Facilitate the exercise of constitutional freedoms, rights, and guarantees in Buenos Aires.
- Maintain public order and tranquility across the city.
- Protect the physical integrity, rights, and property of individuals.
- Promote and coordinate crime, contravention, and offense prevention programs.
- Coordinate efforts to prevent crimes, contraventions, and offenses.
- Promote investigation and prosecution of crimes and offenses.
- Exchange criminal information in line with this law.
- Manage penal execution to aid in the social reintegration of convicts.
- Coordinate support and assistance mechanisms during disasters.
- Ensure traffic safety through risk and road safety control.
- Regulate and oversee private security services.
SAME (107)
The Emergency Medical Care Service (SAME) provides rapid medical intervention across Buenos Aires. It is considered a model emergency medical service due to its efficiency.
SAME’s Responsibilities
- Receiving Calls: Handling emergency pre-hospital care requests.
- Dispatching Aid: Sending medical assistance to the location.
- Providing Instructions: Offering medical instructions to those with the patient until aid arrives.
- Transporting Patients: Taking patients to a hospital capable of providing adequate medical care.
SAME’s Key Functions
- Define urgent and emergency medical situations.
- Implement measures to mitigate the effects of medical emergencies.
- Coordinate patient care at hospitals until transfer.
- Plan activities to anticipate, prevent, and reduce risks in emergencies.
- Develop emergency medical plans.
- Create operational regulation guidelines.
- Spread medical emergency information to the public.
Fire Department (100)
The Fire Department stations are strategically located throughout Buenos Aires. The Fire Department of the City of Buenos Aires intervenes in fires, floods, accidents, and disasters to extinguish them, assist victims, and mitigate consequences.
Responsibilities
- Defend, prevent, and protect people and property within their jurisdiction.
- Conduct projects, studies, and assessments, advising authorities on fire safety matters.
- Provide training and analysis for public and private entities.
- Participate in emergency campaigns and preventive plans implemented by the Ministry of Justice and Security.
- Coordinate with other emergency organizations.
- Promote preventive actions and inform the community.
- Perform inspections requested by the relevant authorities.
- Assist local, federal, and provincial courts as required.
Objectives
The Fire Department of the City of Buenos Aires develops and applies operational policies to protect people and property proactively and preventatively during fires, collapses, floods, and other emergencies.
Civil Defense (103)
Civil Defense groups in Buenos Aires can act independently or coordinate with other emergency services like SAME, the City Police, and the Fire Department.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate actions among various actors during a disaster, including governments at all levels, social organizations, NGOs, and the general public.
- Engage the entire community in civil defense efforts.
- Operate within Buenos Aires’ comprehensive emergency and disaster response system, managing risk comprehensively.
- Implement actions in prevention, mitigation, and response before, during, and after emergencies.
- Coordinate with city agencies in response to major incidents like fires, collapses, floods, and toxic spills.
- Evaluate and supervise evacuation plans for nightclubs, elderly care facilities, and mass events.
- Advise on fire and building safety for public and private facilities.
- Conduct socio-technical surveys to minimize existing risks.
Gender Violence (144)
The Gender Violence hotline is operational nationwide in Argentina. It was established to address the needs of women facing violence, providing a crucial channel to report abuse.
The 144 hotline is free and available year-round. Authorities urge calls at any stage of gender-based violence, whether it’s a suspicion or a harsh reality impacting the victim.
144 line – Support for Victims of Gender Violence
- Availability: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Cost: Free
- Anonymous and National
The 144 hotline provides specialized telephone assistance to women facing gender violence. It offers information, support, and advice regarding physical, psychological, sexual, economic, patrimonial, and symbolic violence. The goal is to provide guidance before, during, or after any incident.
Services Offered by 144 line
- Information:
- Learn to identify gender violence, your rights, where to go, and how to handle situations.
- Find out whom to contact in case of violence against women.
- Support:
- If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, the 144 line team is available to listen, support, and assist.
- Advice:
- The team of psychologists, lawyers, and social workers will guide you on how to act for your protection.
- Learn the steps to file a complaint, access justice, or receive any other assistance required.
Last Considerations
No one expects an emergency while traveling, but knowing Where to Call in Case of An Emergency in Buenos Aires is crucial.
Save these essential emergency contact numbers and always be prepared, whether you’re a digital nomad, traveler, or expat.
Remember, traffic congestion or time of day might slightly delay response times, but emergency services act relatively quickly.
Familiarize yourself with nearby police stations and public hospitals, and don’t overlook the 147 hotline for general citizen assistance.
For more safety tips and travel guidance, head to ExpatPathways and ensure a worry-free stay in Buenos Aires!
(Featured Image Source: Upper Uhs/flickr.com)
