Health clinic · Health and the SUS
SAMU: the 192 ambulance
Public emergency care, free, for anyone.
What it is
SAMU stands for Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência: the public ambulance, with a health team, that comes to you.
How to use it
Call 192, free of charge, from any phone. A doctor assesses the case over the phone and decides whether to send the ambulance.
The numbers
In 2024 the SAMU reached 87% of the population, with a goal of reaching 93%.
The criticism
Critics point to slow ambulances and to the towns that still don't have the service. Supporters point out that the SAMU serves anyone, with or without health insurance.