Emergency

We all hope we won't need any help in an emergency but it's always useful to know a few things in advance, just in case.

It's always useful to have some sort of first aid kit (bandages, plasters, tweezers, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, upset stomach relief etc.) and how in-depth that should be will depend on what you are doing.

Whilst I always travel with some form of first aid kit, I do take something with a bit more in it if I am

• on the road for a long time,

• likely to be exposed to wildlife,

• riding,

• walking in the countryside,

• doing anything more active with a risk of injury

A couple of things might be worth adding in purely because it's South Africa - something for insect bites and skins, and something for exposure to sun and heat. You should also have any relevant information about vaccinations, anti-malarial tablets and so forth.

In an emergency the number is, for all services, 112 (mobile) or 107 (landline).

The police non-emergency number is 10111 but it has a disappointing reputation for not being answered swiftly.

For an ambulance, if you are in a city and covered by insurance then use ER24 by dialling 084124. This is a private medical service and they also have air ambulances.

In Cape Town you can also use Netcare on 082911. They offer on the phone advice.

If you are out of the city then use 10177 (this is also the number to use if not insured, but that shouldn't apply to you.)

In Cape Town there is also a support mechanism called Cape Tourism Bandaid via 0214876552. This is aimed at tourists and they can arrange for a visit at your hotel for crime reporting.

Here are a few other helpful numbers. For snake bites, 0861 555 777 (poison information), 021 931 6129 (Tygerberg poison centre), and 021 689 5227 (Red Cross Children's Hospital Poison Centre).

Within Table Mountain National Park use 021 480 7700 for emergencies.

For sea and mountain rescue you can use 021 937 0300.