Comments on: emergencies

By: ravi

ravi — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:21:10 +0000

i think the cop part is a bit exaggerated.
see there are 2 types of police, one is traffic police and the other is normal delhi police. traffic police is the one you encounter on roads and that harass the auto drivers. but in case of emergency do call 100 and they understand English. from my personal experience i can tell you that they will arrive within 10 to 15 minutes. also delhi police’s vehicles double up as ambulances, its a less known fact that police vehicles transport more people to hospitals than ambulances in delhi. the new MUV’s of delhi police even have fold-able stretchers in them.

By: Trevor Brown

Trevor Brown — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:48:37 +0000

I bet you Banty would help you in a pinch for an emergency, he is really sweet.

By: Ms

Ms — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:03:55 +0000

1. In a medical emergency if you have time, def ask a neighbor for help which is the most logical thing to do in des! They are locals who know stuff you may not. Most likely the neighbor will come with you or at least can point you to the right place. A private hospital is best and each hospital will have a specialty unit like bone, burns, infants etc which may be most suitable.

2. If a crime or theft occurs, then a police report has to be lodged- even if the crime is not solved the insurance co/embassy will need a copy of the report to do their work. The report is called a FIR and the cops sometimes may refuse to be prompt with even giving you a copy.

3. Making friends with police is a bad idea for two reasons , first it is an insulting quid pro quo. Second the cops in all countries are mostly nice but never make for good friends – something about the nature of their jobs tend to draw sociopaths to the field.

4. Have the phone number of your local US entity and use it if you need help. Just a word that the US is involved does wonders with the Indian machinery, even if it costs you a little more. If you can’t get to the US consulate , try the Canadians.
I say all this as an Indian American and have never needed to put these tips to use.

By: amreekandesi

amreekandesi — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:25:22 +0000

These are useful tips, especially for goras like you!

For medical emergencies, best indeed to go to a hospital yourself.
The points about cops may be a bit exaggerated though. 100 is supposed to respond rather promptly, and they have their own cars most of the time.

By: Vidya

Vidya — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:48:19 +0000

Right now the world itself is a dangerous place to live in . But with developing nations its more difficult, you have to fend for yourself. It’s better to be alert.

By: Grey Street Girl

Grey Street Girl — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:01:52 +0000

Probably good advice for anyone living anywhere, really. I cut my hand open and had no way to get to the ER, but ended up driving myself. It seemed dumb to call an ambulance.

But, I immediately thought of you guys when the Mumbai stuff happened. I guess it’s exotic and interesting to live over there, but some days, it’s just really dangerous.

By: Rex

Rex — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:54:27 +0000

I really wish nothing more like this happens in Delhi, but that would be wishful thinking.
India being a large and chaotic country- it is impossible to station cops at every nook and corner.
In fact if one has to deter terrorism at that level, the fight is already lost- proper intel and pre-emption is what’s needed.
Stay safe, don’t venture out late at night alone, or without local friends, drive with eyes in the back of your head – and you’ll be fine!

PS – I think you’ve almost completed a year in Delhi haven’t you? Happy anniversary!