PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
Emergency Medical Services in Shanghai: A Practical Guide for International Residents and Visitors
Know how to access emergency care, reach an ambulance, and locate international hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments in Shanghai.
Medical emergencies can strike without warning. When urgent care is needed in the dead of night — especially in an unfamiliar city — the situation can feel particularly alarming. Shanghai's healthcare system prioritizes rapid response: patients facing life-threatening emergencies receive prompt medical attention. If you experience a serious medical emergency, seek help immediately — financial concerns should never prevent you from calling for urgent care.
Independently written English guidance based on cited public sources. Every public guide is human reviewed; it is not an official translation of the source publisher.
Calling for Emergency Help
When you need emergency care and first aid, call 120. The ambulance service in Shanghai is operated by the Shanghai Emergency Medical Center. The service is primarily in Chinese, but operators can connect you to a third-party translator, though delays may occur.
As an alternative, you can contact the Shanghai United Family Hospital (SHU) emergency hotline at 021-2216-3999. This line is staffed 24/7 by Emergency Room receptionists trained to coordinate emergencies. Provide your name, exact location, and medical details to expedite help.
Choosing Your Hospital
Once you are in the ambulance, you can usually choose the hospital you want to be taken to. You may ask to be taken to the Shanghai United Family Hospital at No 1139 Xianxia Road, Changning.
Shanghai United Family Hospital is one of the first international hospitals in China. Its emergency department offers comprehensive care around the clock, covering acute coronary issues, strokes, major traumas, pediatrics, and severe obstetric situations. Green channels ensure that specialists are always on hand to provide emergency care or surgical procedures for children, adults, and the elderly.
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This guide received human editorial review. Use its public sources and review date to assess the current information boundary.
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