When planning a vacation you don't want your thoughts to even linger on the term medical emergency, but it's always better to be safe than sorry and be aware of what to do, where to go, should the need arise.

We are home to the highest standard of health care in the Eastern Caribbean and boast quite a number of government and privately-run medical facilities throughout the island, which are supported by highly qualified professionals.

Doctors' offices and pharmacies are littered throughout most communities and the main hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital is a mere taxi drive away.

Acquaint yourself with Barbados' emergency services numbers listed below:

POLICE - 211

AMBULANCE - 511

FIRE - 311

DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE - 411

OPERATOR - 0

Clinics in Christ Church

Coverley Medical Centre – Coverley – 627-1000

Elcourt Clinic – Maxwell – 428-9452

Harts Medical Clinic, Harts Gap – 228-7736

NovaMed Family Clinic – Supercentre Complex, Sargeants Village –  434-6682

Oistins Family Clinic – Oistins – 428-3427

Paediatric After Hours Clinic – Golf Club Rd – Rockley – 435-9419

Clinics in St. George

Dr. Karen Bynoe – Bridge Medical Clinic – Charles Rowe Bridge – 435-3621

Dr. Cathy-Ann Cave-Henry – Mount Medical Clinic, Mount Hill – 271-1348

Dr. John Clarke – Cottage Plantation – 437-9912

Dr. Damian Henry – Bridge Cot Wellness Centre, Bridge Cot – 437-7074

Dr. Patricia Inniss – Holborn House, 36A Pine Rd – 427-7834

Dr. Ann-Marie Irvine – Diagnostic Clinic – Beckles Rd – 426-60581, 427-6893 (Res)

Dr. Vijaya Thani-Samtani – Salters – 429-8340, 426-3754

Dr. Chaynie Williams – Bridge Medical Clinic – Charles Rowe Bridge – 435-3621

Cardiologists in St. Michael

Dr. Trevor Hassell – Woodside, Bay St – 429-5455, 4366450 (QEH), 429-3214 (Morgan Terrace)

Dr. Richard Ishmael – Bracebridge Medical Centre – 3 5^th Ave Belleville – 429-8600, 4366450 (QEH)

Dr. Raymond Massay – Bracebridge Medical Centre  – 3 5^th Ave Belleville – 228-9538, 436-6450 (QEH)