What to Do in the First 5 Minutes of Any Emergency

Most people freeze for the first 30–60 seconds of an emergency. 

That’s normal. But what you do in the next few minutes matters. 

Here’s the exact sequence that works across all three destinations:

Step 1 — Call the right emergency number. Use the table for your destination. 

If you can’t remember the specific number, call 112 — it works in all three countries and routes to emergency coordination.

Step 2 — State your location first. Don’t describe what happened before you give your location. 

Emergency operators need to know where to send help before anything else. 

If you’re not sure of your exact address, say the nearest landmark, hotel name, or major intersection.

Step 3 — Describe what happened. Keep it simple: how many people are hurt, what the injury or illness looks like, and whether anyone is unconscious or not breathing.

Step 4 — Call your hotel reception. Hotel staff in all three destinations are experienced at helping guests in emergencies. 

They can coordinate with local services, translate if needed, and arrange transport if an ambulance is slow.

Step 5 — Contact your travel insurance helpline. Do this from the scene or from the hospital. 

Your insurer can arrange direct billing with hospitals, organize medical evacuation if needed, and advise on which hospitals are on their approved network. 

This call can save you lakhs.

Step 6 — Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate if you need consular support — lost passport, legal issues, or if a family member needs to be informed of a serious situation.