Medical Information
Emergencies
To call an ambulance or rescue squad within The Bahamas, dial “919”. (This is the number for all emergencies.)
The level of available medical assistance and facilities vary throughout the archipelago. While there are hospitals and/or clinics on the major islands, medical facilities are limited or even non-existant on many smaller islands. Medical facilities seldom accept U.S. health insurance and frequently require payment up front for non-emergency care.
Trauma care is especially problematic throughout the archipelago. Transportation to a medical facility can use up valuable time in an emergency. There are no local "life flight" helicopters typically found in major U.S. metropolitan areas. Medical transport is often via boat, fixed-wing aircraft, or -- if available -- U.S. Coast Guard craft. Ambulances on New Providence Island (i.e.: Nassau) are hampered by its endemic traffic congestion, while on many islands ambulances are merely means of transportation to where medical help is available. They may have little or no advanced life support and stabilization equipment.
In case of serious injury or illness, many Americans consider the possibility of medical evacuation back to the U.S. See List of Air Ambulance Services.
See also Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad and Health Issues for Americans Abroad.