Yomu Editorial / Dennis Sun

Friends in FB have been showing their pics of having taken the first and second jab of the vaccine. Whereas, I couldn't show anything because I haven't been vaccinated yet. Not even the first dose. I have been having a hard time getting a reservation over the phone and online. Lines are jam packed, and then supplies ran out. I need to wait patiently and try again. But, hey! I got this bandage today. Not on my arm but on my elbow.

This morning though, I had chest pains right over my heart area which lasted all throughout the day. I thought it would go away but it didn't. By nightfall, I called the emergency number for advice about my situation and was told to call the ambulance. Thus, I was rushed to the nearby hospital. They took all the necessary tests, and as always (as this wasn't the first time), I was cleared. I took the taxi home with the dull cold pain still lingering on my heart.

Many foreigners living in Japan still think that the ambulance service is very expensive in Japan. It’s actually FREE! Actually, we are paying for it through our taxes.

Ambulance number is 119. Be ready to tell them your exact address, and if you can talk more, give them information about your condition. When I called, the ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes! They even apologized for not arriving sooner.

If you are suddenly injured or ill, you may be at a loss as to whether you should call an ambulance or go to the hospital right away, you can call the Emergency Relief Center at #7119. This is a free telephone consultation service where you can receive advice from experts. Specialists such as doctors and nurses will provide emergency consultation over the telephone.

Dennis Sun

Jeepney Press Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director