The Ministry of Health in Peru announced on March 31 that its Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) is providing guidance to the public on how to respond during emergencies over the Holy Week holiday. The ministry reminded people to stay calm and call the free emergency number 106, which operates around the clock from any phone operator.
The ministry outlined specific recommendations for different situations. In cases of seizures, people are advised to lay the person on their side and remove objects that could cause harm. For burns, it is recommended to move away from fire, remove jewelry or clothing from the affected area, and apply cool water for 20 minutes. If someone is choking, they should be encouraged to cough; if unable to breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver. In cases of cardiorespiratory arrest, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with strong and rapid compressions until SAMU arrives.
The ministry also clarified the difference between urgency and emergency: an urgency requires medical attention but does not endanger life, while an emergency demands immediate care because vital functions are at risk.
During this extended holiday period, SAMU will deploy more than 500 professionals and 29 ambulances at strategic locations such as Cerro San Cristóbal’s Via Crucis procession route, Iglesia de las Nazarenas procession site, and especially Playa Agua Dulce along Lima’s southern beach circuit where large crowds are expected.
SAMU estimates it will handle about 7,307 prehospital emergencies in Lima Metropolitan area this year—a rise of 4.3 percent compared with last year—with main causes including traffic accidents, falls, fainting spells, burns and breathing difficulties.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment “to protect the health of Peruvians around the clock.”
