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This document contains step-by-step procedures to be followed in the event of a serious injury, illness, death or other emergency connected with students abroad for purposes of study or research under the auspices of the European Study Abroad Center and Global Players, Student Athlete Exchange. Download and view printable version: Emergency Procedures.pdf

The first actions taken following an accident, death or other emergency may determine whether the situation is contained or allowed to worsen.  

Emergency number to dial in Prague: 112  

They speak English. Be clear with the problem. Give them your name and address.

Residence hall address: Rooseveltova kolej, Stojnicka 7, Praha 7, Czech Republic


Definition of an emergency

A serious injury or illness can be defined as one requiring hospitalization of a participant or faculty member, or one that makes it impossible for the participant or faculty member to continue the program.

An emergency may also be (but is not limited to) a situation involving a criminal act against one or more participants in the program; an act or threat of terrorism that poses a threat to the security of the program participants; a natural disaster; an act of war; or other event causing or threatening harm to one or more participants in the program.

Define: ‘what is an emergency?’ An emergency is defined as a situation that requires the immediate assistance of your program advisors or faculty or the ESAC directors namely: a student is the victim of a violent crime, including rape,  in the event of serious illness or required medical treatment, or an urgent family issue back home that requires your departure back to the States or a terrorist attack.

Things that are not emergencies that may occur: lost passports, lost or stolen money, stolen purses or wallets, lost plane tickets, getting lost, running out of money and missing class or missing homework assignments. There is truly not much that can be done with lost or stolen money so have a credit card as a back up plan. If you lose your passport, we will find our way to your home country Embassy and get it replaced. Do not panic.

In all situations, try to distinguish the urgent from the less urgent. Try to gain an honest perspective on whether a particular communication is urgent or even needed. Calling at midnight because of a petty theft or missing credit card is not acceptable. Calling because someone is seriously ill is required.

If you have a real emergency, contact your advisors immediately. If you have a situation arise, such as you lose your passport, then go to a student program advisor.

Immediate Responsibilities of the faculty director/on-site coordinator

1. attend to the immediate needs of the students involved
2. remove other participants from danger
3. contact (as appropriate) local medical emergency officials, law enforcement officers, the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, and the ESAC program director
   

Chain of Communications in Event of Emergency Abroad

1. Student Advisor
   
2. Program  Advisor
   
3. Program Director    
   

Immediate Responsibilities of the ESAC and GP program advisers and directors:

• Begin a log of all calls and activities pertaining to the incident
• Get the following information from the on-site personnel:
• Name of student with problem/name of caller
• Identity of individual(s) involved, if applicable
• Brief description of accident, illness or emergency
• Location of caller – address, city, country (if you are traveling out of Czech Republic when the emergency arises, contact the local authorities in that country, then place a call to the program director in Prague)
• Location of accident or emergency; proximity to other ESAC students (if not directly affected)
• Phone and fax number where caller can be reached
• Verify calls have been placed to emergency response services, and will be placed to hospitals, law enforcement, or U.S. Embassy/Consulate if situation warrants

If the real or perceived emergency resulted from a natural disaster, an act of terrorism, or an act of war, ESAC staff should ask for detailed answers to all applicable of the following:

• What was the target of unrest, if event was political?
• What is the intensity of the emergency or political unrest?
• Are there military or emergency personnel at the site of the emergency?
• What is the advice of the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate?
• What impact, if any, did emergency have on availability of food, water, and medical supplies?
• How able are our students and staff to travel?
• Is continuation of classes feasible?

In the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack, follow the instructions of local law enforcement on site or if at the residence hall, follow the directions of the property management, front desk crew and on site program advisers. Listen carefully to their instructions and follow them exactly.

In the event of a pandemic outbreak of flu or any other type of illness, follow the instructions of program advisers and directors. In most cases, students in the target location will follow the local community common plan of action set forth by the Czech authorities.  Continue coordination throughout emergency.
All evacuation plans will be set forth by the Czech authorities. Please follow their instructions exactly to ensure your safety is secured during any evacuations from the residence hall, hotel or the city of Prague or country of Czech Republic. Program advisers and directors will be there to assist.

Follow-up procedures for faculty director/on-site coordinator (once all immediate life-threatening circumstances have been secured)

• Reassess planned activities for the program and adjust as deemed necessary to avoid subjecting students and staff to additional stress. Plan for creative ways to proceed. The program should be terminated only as a last, and necessary, resort.
• Stay in close communication with the ESAC advisers and directors, for instructions or input from task force, and to let ESAC staff know of activities and whereabouts of participants and group at all times.
• Assess physical and emotional needs of students/staff. Remind students of appropriate behaviors.
• Let ESAC know if additional staff are needed on-site to carry out needed arrangements, or to provide counseling to students
• Make arrangements for traveling home if necessary
• Make certain all affected local and authorities are consulted and kept informed.
• In the event of a fatality, wait for legal authority (usually local) before moving the body. Make sure photographs are taken before the body is moved.
• Communicate any action or evacuation plans in writing to students and ask for written acknowledgment of receipt.
• Document ALL activities.
• Collect written statements from students and staff as soon as possible following incident.

Notification of Next of Kin in Case of Death Abroad

In the event of death of a student or accompanying faculty member participating in a study abroad program administered by the European Study Abroad Center, it is the responsibility of the Program Director to see that next of kin are appropriately and promptly notified.

The appropriate Embassy officials will take charge in the event of the death of a U.S. citizen abroad. In most cases, the next of kin are contacted directly by representatives of the U.S. Department of State or local authorities. Students of all other nationalities Embassy officials will be contacted.


Releasing Information to the Media

No one (including all ESAC advisers and directors) should release any of the following without first consulting legal counsel:

• Information assessing responsibility for an accident, or criticizing conduct, policy or equipment
• Information regarding nature of illness or injury prior to diagnosis by a medical doctor
• Names of victims prior to notification of next of kin
• Estimates of property damage

Below is a complete list of contact phone numbers:

Important Telephone Numbers

Euro Emergency (All services)                112   
Ambulance                                                155
Police                                                        158
Fire Brigade                                              150
Emergency Roadside Service:
Zluty andele (‘Yellow Angels’)                1230
Directory Enquiries                                  1180
Directory Enquiries (int.)                         1181
Operator                                                   133 002
CZ from abroad                                       +420
Prague area code                                      2

24 Hour Chemists / Pharmacies

Called ‘Lekarna’ in Czech
Palackeho 5, Prague 1, tel. +420 224 946 982
U sv Ludmily, Belgicka 37, Prague 2, tel. +420 222 513 396
U Andela, Stefanikova 6, Prague 5, tel. +420 257 320 918

Medical Assistance

Poliklinika Na Narodni, Narodni 9, Prague 1, 110 00, tel. 222 075 120, www.poliklinika.narodni.cz (probably the most economical)

Unicare Medical Centre, Na dlouhem lanu 11, Prague 6, 160 00, tel. 235 356 553, www.unicare.cz

Health Centre Prague, Vodickova 28, Prague 1, tel. +420 224 220 040 or +420 603 433 833 (24 hour service), www.doctor-prague.cz (very close to Wenceslas Square)

Dental Emergencies

European Dental Centre, Wenceslas Square 33, (English, French, German, Russian, Czech spoken), 24 hour on call emergency service, tel. 224 228 994, www.edcdental.cz

American Dental Associates, V Celnici 4, tel. 221 181 121, open: Mon – Thu 08:30 – 20:00, Fri 08:30 – 17:00, Sat 10:30 – 21:00, web. www.americandental.cz

Lost Credit Cards

It’s a good idea to take photocopies of your credit cards. Also, remember to have emergency telephone numbers with you should you need to contact your bank/ credit card company in the event of theft or loss of your cards whilst travelling abroad (these numbers can be obtained from your bank/ building society).
Credit card companies in Prague:

Mastercard / Eurocard, tel. 224 423 135
Visa, tel. 224 12 53 53
American Express, tel. 222 800 111
Diners Club, tel. 267 31 44 85

Postal Services

The main post office is at:
Jindrisska 14, Prague 1, tel. 221 131 111 (open 07:00 – 20:00), very close to Wenceslas Square.

Telephone Cards

Public telephones accept either phone cards or coins. Phone cards are perhaps the simplest payment method to use. They may be purchased at newsagents and tobacconists.

Internet Cafés

U Svateho Vaclava, Karmelitska 24, Mala Strana, Prague 1 tel. +420 257 532 942,
web. www.u-svateho-vaclava.com
 
PG Cyber Café, Village Cinemas, Radlicka 3179/1E, Andel, Prague 5, tel. +420 775 557 011 and?www.pgcybercafe.cz

Spika, Dlazdena 4, Prague 1 tel. 224 211 521, www.netcafe.spika.cz

Public Transport

Trams, buses and the Prague Metro are the three public transport options. Tickets are interchangeable between all forms of transport and may be purchased from vending machines located in the entrances to metro stations or newsstands throughout the city. Tickets are valid for time durations of usually 15 minutes (this ticket is non-transferable!) or 60 minutes (during the daytime) or 90 minutes (during the night). Once you have purchased your ticket you'll need to validate it either BEFORE boarding the Metro by having it stamped by the yellow boxes at the entrance OR as soon as you board a tram by using one of the yellow boxes.

Useful web-sites:

www.dp-praha.cz and the official Prague tourist web-site:
www.prague-info.cz/en/prague/transport/city_transport

Metro Information: tel. 296 191 817

Be aware that ticket inspectors may wish to examine your ticket to check its validity. If you do not have a ‘stamped’ or appropriate ticket you will be fined. The fine is approximately 1000 Crowns

Departure/ Arrival Info Train: tel. 221 111 122, www.cdrail.cz

Buses: tel. 900 144 444 (domestic)  224 210 221 (international)

Flights: tel. 220 113 321 or 220 113 314

Taxis

Taxis in Prague are safe and can be found at taxi ranks or hailed in the street. Please check that the taxi has a yellow illuminated sign and contact details. DO NOT use an unmarked car. Also, get a quote from the driver before beginning the journey. Below is a list of reliable taxi companies:

AAA Radio Taxi: tel. +420 222 333 222?
City Taxi: tel. +420 257 257 257 (this company has SMS ordering)

Public Holidays: 2009

01/ 01 New Years Day
09/ 04 Easter Monday
01/ 05 May Day
08/ 05 Liberation Day
05/ 07 St. Cyril and St. Methodius
06/ 07 Burning of Jan Hus
28/ 09 Czech Statehood Day
28/ 10 Independence Day
17/ 11 Freedom and Democracy
24/ 12 Christmas Eve
25/ 12 Christmas Day
26/ 12 Boxing Day

Currency

The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown. You can find it displayed as ‘Kc’ or ‘CZK’.

Currency Exchange Offices

Exchange booths can be found all over the city’. Also there are plenty of ATMs and as many modern day cards can be used world-wide, this is probably the easiest way to obtain local cash.

Local Time

GMT +01:00

Language

The spoken language in the Czech Republic is Czech. English tends to be spoken by service staff and younger people. Otherwise German speakers are quite common.
 
Electricity

220 V/AC

Drinking Water
 
The water supply in Prague is safe to drink, however you may prefer bottled water for reasons of taste.?

Shopping Hours

In the city centre shops mainly open from 09:00 until 20:00 (7 days). You will always find a 24 hour ‘Potraviny’ or local grocery shop open somewhere in your locality. Please be aware that basic medicines, such as aspirin or paracetamol, for example, may only be purchased from a Lekarna (pharmacy).

Tipping

Generally in restaurants, for example, 10% is the norm and is expected. Many people often tip taxi drivers also.

Students

Students may obtain discounts at museums etc. when showing their International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Crime and Pickpockets

Common sense must prevail here. The Czech Republic is a very safe country to travel in. However, be aware of your surroundings and take extra care when walking around at night. Always keep wallets and purses out of sight particularly whilst travelling by public transport. Avoid poorly lit areas and suspicious looking individuals.
 
VISA

Please check BEFORE you come to Prague with the Czech embassy in your country to find out if you require a VISA to enter the Czech Republic.

Passports

Visitors who DON’T require a VISA:

EU nationals must have a passport valid for the length of their stay.

Non EU nationals require at least 3 months validity remaining on their passport.

For visitors who DO require a VISA:

90 day VISA: passport must have at least 9 months remaining.

90+ day VISA: passport must have at least 15 months remaining.

Tourist Services

For information regarding excursions, cultural events or anything else please call:

(+420) 251 019 360

OR e-mail:

reservations@codan-agentura.com

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this document is to the best of our knowledge correct and up-to-date. However, ESAC and Global Players accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies.

                                   

Student Athlete Exchange, L.L.C. 2021 Powers Ferry Rd, Unit J, Marietta, GA 30067 info@global-players.us