Short answer
SAMU is the Service d’aide médicale urgente, France’s national emergency medical system that dispatches doctors and ambulances when you call 15.
Key points
- SAMU means Service d’aide médicale urgente.
- It’s the main medical response for emergencies in France.
- Doctors triage calls before sending help.
- You dial 15 for medical emergencies.
- Each region runs its own SAMU center.
In France, SAMU stands for Service d’aide médicale urgente, the national emergency medical service that dispatches doctors and ambulances when you call 15.
How SAMU works
When 15 is dialed, a SAMU center answers and a physician assesses the situation. The doctor decides whether to send an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, or another team. Each region has its own SAMU, overseen by a hospital‑based physician.
What SAMU provides
SAMU coordinates emergency transport and hospital admission but usually relies on fire brigades or private ambulance services for actual patient transfer. The system focuses on rapid assessment and efficient resource allocation to save lives.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for SAMU services?
No, SAMU services are covered by the French public health system for residents. Non‑residents may be charged, depending on their insurance.
What is the difference between SAMU and emergency police services?
SAMU handles medical emergencies, while police respond to crime or public safety incidents. Both can be called via 15, but SAMU focuses on health.
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