Emergency Services Guide · Costa RicaEmergency Services Guide in Costa Rica
Emergency numbers, response times, hospital systems, and trauma centers
• Emergency Number: 911 (universal)
• Ambulance Response: 10-15 minutes urban, 25-40 minutes rural
• Hospital Coverage: Comprehensive public healthcare system (CCSS) with nationwide coverage
• Trauma Centers: Major centers in San José, Alajuela, Cartago
• Language Support: Spanish primary, limited English in urban areas
Emergency Numbers
Universal
911
Police
911
Fire
911
Medical
911
Other Numbers
Response Times
Urban Areas
~12 min
Rural Areas
~35 min
Response times vary by region, with urban areas having faster emergency services due to proximity of medical facilities
Hospital System
Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) provides comprehensive public healthcare with nationwide coverage
Major Trauma Centers
Major trauma centers located in primary urban areas with advanced medical facilities
Specialized Care:
- Burn units
- Cardiac care
- Stroke centers
Language Support
Limited English support in emergency services, primarily Spanish-speaking
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