Emergency Contacts & Services in São Paulo, Brazil
1. Emergency Police Assistance
For immediate police assistance in São Paulo, dial 190. This is crucial for reporting crimes or if you feel unsafe. Speaking slowly and clearly is important to communicate effectively with operators.
- Availability: Service is available 24/
2. - Language
Primarily offered in Portuguese.
- Speed: Quick response time in urban areas.
- Identification: Have your ID ready if asked.
- Location: Know your surroundings to describe your location accurately.
3. Fire Department
Call 193 to reach São Paulo's fire department in case of a fire or rescue emergency. They handle everything from building fires to natural disasters.
- Equipment: Advanced firefighting and rescue equipment.
- Trained Personnel: Highly trained for diverse emergencies.
- Cooperation: Works with other emergency services.
- Response Time: Typically swift within city limits.
- Communication: Basic Portuguese required for effective communication.
4. Medical Emergency (SAMU)
Dial 192 for medical emergencies to get an ambulance or immediate medical advice. The service provides essential assessment and transportation to hospitals.
- Medical Equipment: Ambulances equipped with necessary medical tools.
- Medical Staff: Onboard trained paramedics or doctors.
- Priority: Addresses critical health situations first.
- Availability: Accessible 24/7 across São Paulo.
- Response: Be ready to describe the medical emergency clearly.
5. Tourist Police (DEATUR)
Specialized police service for travelers, accessible by calling 197. They help with issues like lost passports or crime affecting tourists.
- Specialization: Focused on tourist-related issues.
- Language: Staff often speaks basic English.
- Location: Centrally located in tourist-heavy areas.
- Assistance: Helps with legal procedures and documentation.
- Safety: Provides advice for staying safe in São Paulo.
6. Civil Police Assistance
For non-urgent police matters, contact the Civil Police by dialing 181. This includes reporting suspicious activities or thefts.
- Non-Emergency: Handles less critical situations.
- Investigation: Capable of detailed investigative work.
- Processing: Assists with legal documentation.
- Language: Primarily Portuguese-speaking.
- Accessibility: Main offices are centrally located.
7. Consulate or Embassy
Contact your nearest consulate or embassy for help with passport issues or legal matters. They provide guidance to nationals living or traveling abroad.
- Services: Offers consular support and documentation.
- Security: Provides a secure environment for nationals.
- Language: Services often available in your native language.
- Location: Situated mostly in central or accessible areas.
- Assistance: Aids in serious situations, such as arrests or medical emergencies.
8. Poison Control Center (CEATOX)
Dial 0800-014-8110 to get advice on poisoning cases. They provide crucial information regarding the treatment of poisoning.
- Expertise: Specialists trained in toxicology.
- Access: Free and confidential.
- Support: Provides immediate advice for various poisons.
- Awareness: Know the substance ingested if possible.
- Preparedness: Available for directions to nearest hospital if required.
9. Hospital das Clínicas
As the largest hospital complex in Latin America, it offers comprehensive healthcare services. It's a critical resource for serious medical conditions.
- Facilities: Broad range of medical specialties.
- Accessibility: Walk-in emergency services available.
- Language: Limited English support in certain departments.
- Size: Large with possible long wait times.
- Location: Central with good public transportation links.
10. São Paulo Traffic Engineering Company (CET)
Contact CET for traffic-related emergencies or incidents. They manage everything from accidents to road closures.
- Traffic Management: Highly efficient in traffic control.
- Communication: Available through multiple channels.
- Updates: Provides real-time traffic updates.
- Safety: Ensures safer road transportation.
- Language: Primary language is Portuguese.
11. Women’s Police Station (Delegacia da Mulher)
A safe place for women to report domestic violence or harassment, available city-wide. They focus on crimes against women.
- Specialization: Focuses on protecting women's rights.
- Environment: Offers a sensitive and understanding environment.
- Assistance: Provides legal assistance and advice.
- Language: Services primarily in Portuguese.
- Support: Connects victims to necessary social services.
12. LGBT+ Rights Support (CRD-LGBT)
The CRD-LGBT provides support for the LGBT+ community, accessible via 156. They help with discrimination or violence-related issues.
- Safe Space: Ensures a confidential environment.
- Advocacy: Advocates for LGBT+ rights.
- Consultations: Provides legal and emotional support.
- Network: Connects to broader social services.
- Inclusivity: Welcomes all individuals needing support.
13. Local Health Unit (UBS)
For non-emergency health issues, visit a UBS for care and medical advice. They offer primary healthcare from vaccinations to health check-ups.
- Service Range: Offers many primary health services.
- Accessibility: Located throughout neighborhoods.
- Cost: Often free or low-cost services.
- Language: Portuguese is mainly spoken.
- Wait Times: Can vary, depending on location and demand.
14. Mobile Emergency Care Service (SEIS)
Similar to SAMU, SEIS offers rapid emergency medical services for urgent situations. Dial their number for quick support.
- Mobility: Offers both ground and air ambulance services.
- Coverage: Extensive city-wide coverage.
- Speed: Rapid response for emergency cases.
- Professionalism: Staffed with expert medical professionals.
- Equipment: Fully equipped to handle various emergencies.
15. Flood Warning System
São Paulo has a flood monitoring system for heavy rain alerts. It provides critical information and safety advice during floods.
- Monitoring: Advanced alert system for weather changes.
- Communication: Sends alerts via mobile and media.
- Preparation: Helps plan routes to avoid flood areas.
- Safety Measures: Provides public advice for flood safety.
- Updates: Regular updates during the rainy season.
16. Helpline for Grief Support (CVV)
Call 188 for confidential emotional support. CVV helps individuals in distress or dealing with grief and depression.
- Confidentiality: Calls are anonymous and private.
- Language: Services in Portuguese.
- Volunteers: Staffed by trained volunteers.
- Access: Available nationwide, 24/
17. - Guidance
Offers emotional and mental health support.
16. Animal Control Services (CZZ): Contact CZZ for issues like stray or dangerous animals. They help manage animal-related incidents and public safety.
- Control: Expert handling of stray and aggressive animals.
- Safety: Ensures safety from animal-borne diseases.
- Services: Includes adoption and animal education.
- Response: Swift action in public safety cases.
- Responsibility: Encourages community awareness and safety.
18. 24-hour Pharmacies
Several pharmacies are available across the city for urgent medication needs. These pharmacies ensure access to vital medications anytime.
- Availability: Open 24/7 to cater to urgent needs.
- Locations: Many distributed throughout São Paulo.
- Stock: Wide range of medicines and supplies.
- Language: Staff primarily speaks Portuguese.
- Convenience: Ideal for late-night or emergency situations.
19. São Paulo Metro Security
The metro security is dedicated to ensuring passenger safety and resolving in-transit issues. Call security using metro station phones.
- Presence: Security personnel at every station.
- Response: Quick in handling on-train or station incidents.
- Communication: Platform announcements in Portuguese.
- Technology: Surveillance systems in place.
- Collaboration: Works in tandem with local police.
20. Utility Emergency Services (SABESP)
For water or sewage emergencies, contact SABESP for prompt resolution. They handle water supply issues across the city.
- Expertise: Well-equipped to manage water emergencies.
- Reach: Extensive coverage throughout São Paulo.
- Communication: Provides timely updates and solutions.
- Safety: Ensures public health and hygiene safety.
- Response: Rapid action in identified emergencies.
21. Public Defender’s Office
Offers legal assistance to those unable to afford private representation. Acts as a crucial service for legal emergencies or representation.
- Accessibility: Provides free or low-cost legal aid.
- Language: Services primarily in Portuguese.
- Expertise: Staffed with experienced legal professionals.
- Protection: Focus on individuals' rights and legal protection.
- Consultation: Offers initial advice and case evaluation.