Emergency Services Guide · MayotteEmergency Services Guide in Mayotte
Emergency numbers, response times, hospital systems, and trauma centers
• Emergency Number: 15 (SAMU ambulance), 17 (Police), 18 (Fire), 112 (universal)
• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes in urban Mamoudzou, 30-60+ minutes in rural/island areas
• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system centered in Mamoudzou; significant gaps in rural areas and outer islands
• Main Hospital: Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte (CHM) in Mamoudzou - only Level 2 facility
• Language Support: French primary; limited English in major facilities; medical interpretation services limited
• International Visitors: Travel/health insurance STRONGLY recommended; no bilateral healthcare agreements; upfront payment expected
Emergency Numbers
Universal
112
Police
17
Fire
18
Medical
15
Other Numbers
Response Times
Urban Areas
~20 min
Rural Areas
~45 min
Response times vary significantly. Urban Mamoudzou: 15-30 minutes. Rural areas and outer islands: 30-60+ minutes due to limited ambulance fleet and geographic challenges. Air ambulance available but limited capacity.
Hospital System
Mayotte has a limited public healthcare system with significant gaps. Primary facility is Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte (CHM) in Mamoudzou, a Level 2 hospital. Rural areas and outer islands have limited access to emergency care. Healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped compared to mainland France. Private healthcare options are very limited.
Major Trauma Centers
Mayotte has only ONE Level 2 trauma center: Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte in Mamoudzou. No Level 1 trauma centers exist. Serious trauma cases may require air evacuation to Réunion (France) or mainland France. Limited specialized trauma care capacity.
Specialized Care:
- Basic trauma care at CHM
- Limited surgical capacity
- No dedicated burn center
- No poison control center
- Limited ICU capacity
Language Support
French is the official and primary language. English is NOT reliably available in emergency services or hospitals. Medical staff may have minimal English. International visitors should carry translation cards or use translation apps. Consider hiring a French-speaking guide or translator.
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