Guide · Emergency at home
Medical emergency at home: what to do?
The right reflexes, step by step, when a loved one collapses at home — and how to know whether to call public emergency services or a private ambulance, in Rabat.
- Available 24/7
- Guide updated · 2026-07-02
The short answer
In a medical emergency at home, stay calm and first assess the severity. If life is at risk — loss of consciousness, stopped breathing, intense chest pain, heavy bleeding — call 141 (SAMU) or 150 (Civil Protection) immediately; these are public emergency services. If the situation is not life-threatening but needs advice, care or transport (persistent fever, a fall with no apparent injury, post-operative follow-up), contact a home doctor, home nurse or private ambulance such as SAMU Rabat, available 24/7.
What to do, step by step
Follow these steps in order. They apply to most situations at home.
Stay calm and secure the area
Breathe, and speak calmly to the person. Remove any immediate danger (fire, falling objects, traffic). A safe environment protects both the patient and responders.
Assess the person’s condition
Is the person conscious? Are they breathing normally? Are they in intense pain? Is there heavy bleeding? These answers determine what to do next.
Decide who to call
If there is any sign of severity (see the table below), call 141 or 150 without delay. Otherwise, contact a home doctor, nurse or private ambulance as needed.
Give clear information
State the exact address, the person’s condition, their age, known medical history and current treatments. Stay reachable and follow the instructions given on the phone.
Provide comfort measures while waiting
Place the person in a comfortable position, cover them if cold, give them nothing to eat or drink if in doubt, and monitor their breathing until help arrives.
Call 141/150 or a private ambulance?
This table helps you decide quickly. If you are unsure whether it is life-threatening, always call public emergency services.
| Situation | Who to call | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of consciousness, stopped breathing | 141 (SAMU) / 150 | Life-threatening — State public services |
| Intense chest pain, suspected stroke | 141 (SAMU) / 150 | Every minute counts — life at risk |
| Heavy bleeding, severe burn | 141 (SAMU) / 150 | Immediate emergency care |
| Persistent fever, minor discomfort | Home doctor | Medical advice and care at home |
| Return home after hospitalisation | Private ambulance | Comfortable medical transport |
| Nursing care, dressing, injection | Home nurse | Scheduled care with no travel |
Mistakes to avoid
Some reflexes can make things worse. Do not move someone who has had a serious fall or is suspected of trauma, unless there is immediate danger. Do not give medication without advice if in doubt. Do not hang up before the 141 or 150 operator tells you to. Finally, do not downplay signs like chest pain or difficulty speaking: when in doubt, treat it as a life-threatening emergency. For non-critical situations, our home doctor and home nursing service take over in Rabat.
Frequently asked questions
In an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 141 (SAMU) or 150 (Civil Protection). These are State-run public emergency services. A private ambulance does not replace them in these situations.
Our related services in Rabat
We operate 24/7 in Rabat, Salé and Témara — Coverage areas in Rabat, Salé and Témara
A non-critical situation at home?
Doctor, nurse or private ambulance: our team responds 24/7 across Rabat, Salé and Témara.
+212 625 55 86 87