Office of Global Engagement
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
Home — Office of Global Engagement — Travel — Emergencies Abroad

Emergencies Abroad

We help our study-abroad students plan for the unexpected. Here are steps to follow in the case of emergencies. 

Health emergencies

  1. Call an ambulance for any threat to life, limb or eye. Consult this list of 911 equivalents around the world.
  2. Contact AIG Travel Guard at +1 (715) 295-1194 and reference Policy Number: 9157885.
  3. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.

Safety or security emergencies

Victim of a crime:

  1. If safe to do so, contact the local police to report the incident and get immediate help. Request a copy of the police report. consult this list of local 911 equivalents around the world.
  2. Use the Worldcue app or call +1 443-782-5151.
  3. Consular officers are also available for emergency assistance 24/7, and can connect you with the appropriate local authorities. Here is a list of U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
  4. You also may contact the U.S. Department of State directly from overseas by calling +1 202-501-4444 for help with emergency needs that arise as a result of a crime.
  5. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.

Victim of sexual assault:

  1. Follow the guidelines above for Health Emergencies and Victim of a Crime. Be aware that in some countries, local authorities might not be as helpful or understanding as one might expect in the U.S. If you have questions about the local culture and attitudes towards sexual assault, contact the U.S. Department of State from overseas by calling +1 (202) 501-4444.
  2. You are encouraged and, in some cases required, to report the incident.
  3. Use the Worldcue app or call +1 443-782-5151.
  4. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.
  5. Find support and more information on the Pathways to Safety International and RAINN websites.

Terrorism, violent uprising or natural disaster:

  1. Shelter in a safe place and monitor the advice of local authorities.
  2. The U.S. Department of State will advise you (first by email) if you enrolled through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Non-U.S. citizens may also sign up to receive travel alerts and advisories by email but will not have access to the same emergency services. These travelers should check with their embassies for similar programs.
  3. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.

Other emergencies

Arrest or detention abroad:

  1. Personally notify the U.S. embassy or consulate, or ask the prison authorities to do so Here is a list of U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
  2. Contact your supervisor or trip leader, and relatives.
  3. Use the Worldcue app or call +1 443-782-5151.
  4. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.

Motor vehicle accident:

  1. Report the accident to the local police.
  2. Follow medical emergency procedures, if needed.
  3. Use the Worldcue app or call +1 443-782-5151.
  4. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.

Missing persons:

  1. Notify the local police and file a missing person’s report.
  2. Notify the nearest embassy or consulate of the person’s citizenship. Here is a list of U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
    • U.S. consular officers will reach out to hospitals and law enforcement agencies to see if U.S. citizens were admitted or arrested but cannot divulge their findings without the written permission of the missing person.
  3. Use the Worldcue app or call +1 443-782-5151.
  4. Inform the Office of Global Engagement at global@unmc.edu or +1 402-559-6825.