How to deal with accidents and emergencies in Mexico
Being an expat in Mexico, you may be unsure how to handle an emergency, such as an accident or other tragedy. This page will advise you who to notify or where to go, mainly if you do not really know anyone else in the area yet.
In case of emergency in Mexico
In the event of an emergency, dial 911 and advise the attendant of the incident that caused you to call. Depending on the nature of the issue, the operator will forward your information to the relevant authorities, such as the fire department, Red Cross, or local police. You will be required to provide identification, either your migratory card or your passport. It is critical to understand that the stem will pinpoint your location once you call.
If you already have insurance coverage, you must tell your insurance provider or agent almost immediately about the incident. Suppose you have a medical emergency and have been in a car accident. In that case, they can send an ambulance to take you to the hospital. If required, the insurance carrier will dispatch an assessor and legal counsel. It would help if you had your insurance security account number ready.
In the event of a fatality, the processes that must be followed are relatively similar to those in other nations. In any situation, you must contact the appropriate authorities and ensure that you acquire the necessary documents so that the matter may be appropriately resolved.
Accidents
Types of accidents:
- Car accident
- Fire accident
- Death
- Abduction
- Domestic Violence
Car accident
The WHO estimated around 16,725 fatalities caused by car accidents in Mexico in 2016. The number of severe injuries due to road crashes was over 250.000 that same year. The ratio between male and female fatalities is 3:1, and more than 46% of these fatalities involved pedestrians. In comparison, only 13% were caused with or by 2 or 3-wheelers (motorbikes, etc.).
If you find yourself involved in a car crash, follow the standard safety protocol (highlight the accident zone with the emergency triangle to warn others, check with injured people, and call 911)
Fire accident
Should you detect a fire in your house or flat, try to grasp the severity of the situation. Maybe try to use a fire distinguisher if that is not too dangerous, and call 911!
Death
In the unpleasant event of death, different scenarios call for further actions.
Death caused by natural causes
Should a family member die due to natural events, call 911 to contact emergency medical personnel. Explain the situation, and they will dispatch an ambulance as soon as possible so that a medical specialist can determine the cause of death and any apparent causes.
You will be given a death certificate, often known as certificado medico de defunción. It would be best to store it somewhere secure to show it at the Registro Civil, or civil registration, for the area where the incident happened.
Death caused by a violent incident
In the event of a fatal accident, you should also contact the local police department so that public ministry personnel can assist. This will happen only after they have decided that the body may be removed from the site and sent to a Servicio Medico Legal, where an autopsy can be performed to determine the exact cause of death. A medical forensic service known as the Servicio Medico Forense (SEMEFO) may also be called in to investigate the site. Once these officials have gathered enough information concerning the death, the family may get the body from the judiciary morgue and pay their respects.
Death in a hospital or medical center
When a death occurs under the care of a physician at one of these facilities, the procedure of preparing a death certificate is substantially faster since the attending physician signs it off. In addition, the hospital ensures that the paperwork is handed to the RC.
The death certificate and license for burial/cremation
The certificado medico de defunción is required to file a claim with an insurance company or present it directly to a funeral home. It must include the deceased's full name and parents' names, place and date of birth, national identity document, civil status, nationality, last residence, birth certificate, time and place of death, and, if feasible, the intended burial site.
The RC will expedite this certificate a day after a death occurs. You will then be allowed to bury or cremate the deceased individual.
Dispersing of ashes
This right is conditional on autonomically normative and the location where the ashes will be scattered. The most important consideration is for pollutants that the ashes may contain. It is quite unlawful to throw them into the sea or at the beach, public parks, or particular regions. Thus it is critical to verify with the appropriate authorities beforehand.
Abduction
An essential thing in a case of abduction is time. First, try to contact the local police about the incident. You can also inform the Centro Nacional de Atención Ciudadana under the number 088.
Domestic violence
Unfortunately, this is a scorching topic in Mexico. Every day several women are going missing or experiencing domestic violence.
Should you be a victim, don't hesitate to contact the police or a center that focuses on domestic violence. In Mexico City are various centers, for example. You can find further info in the useful links section.
Important:
If it is urgent, call 911 or the Línea de la Vida if it has to do with mental health or addiction (01800 911 2000).
Useful links:
Blog Secretary of Civil Protection:
¿Denuncio al 088 o al 911? | Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana | Gobierno | gob.mx
Domestic Violence
Directorio de centros para la atención de la violencia – Red de Bibliotecas Públicas de la CDMX
