ONE issue that concerns those of us who have moved to live in Spain from the European Union is health care. It can be very confusing, with conflicting advice on websites, forums and even from health and social security officials.

So how do you get a tarjeta sanitaria?

WOULD you know what to do in a medical emergency? In a road accident, for example, or if your partner collapsed with a suspected heart attack? What about strokes, electrocution, arterial bleeding, drowning, falls, epileptic fits, choking, burns or scalding, snake or insect bites, broken bones? All things that could happen at any time.

Well, I and 13 others just found out what to do. On Tuesday 14 of us gathered at the El Gecko Hotel in Estación de Cortes de la Frontera for a day’s First Aid Training. Lynda Pudney, RGN, a First Aid trainer of many years’ experience, led this motley crew through an intensive day’s training.

SPRING and autumn are considered to be the best seasons for visiting and touring Andalucia, where temperatures can exceed 40C between late June and late August.

Winters inland are generally mild, although temperatures can dip dramatically at higher altitudes.

IN AN EMERGENCY...

Police: 091

Medical: 061

Emergency Operator: 112

Crime Report (various languages): 902 102 112

Tourist Information (in English): Tel: 901 300 600 (available daily 10am - 8pm. This service is only available within Spain

Spanish Directory Enquiries: 1003

International Directory Enquiries: 1025

Junta de Andalcia (Regional Government) Information: 900 509 292

Weather Information: 906 365 365

Speaking Clock: 093

RONDA

Local Police: 952 871 369 / 092

National Police: 952 161 220 / 091

Guardia Civil: 952 871 461 / 062

Bomberos (Fire): 952 871 958

Hospital: 951 065 000 / 951 065 001

AYUNTAMIENTOS (TOWN HALLS)

Benaojan: 952 167 046

Cortes de la Frontera: 952 154 000

Jimera de Libar: 952 180 004

Montejaque: 952 167 196

Ronda: 952 873 240

Andalucia Tourist Board: 954 558 411

TOURIST Information (in English): Tel: 901 300 600 (available daily 10am - 8pm. This service is only available within Spain

As in other autonomous communities around Spain, Andalucia has its own local and regional public holidays in addition to those celebrated across the whole country. Local festivals vary from one municipality to the next, although the entire region commemorates Andalucia Day on 28 February. National holidays are celebrated on the following dates:

1 Janaury: New Year's Day

6 Janaury: Epiphany

19 March: St. Joseph

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

1 May: Labour Day

15 August: Assumption of the Virgin

12 October: Spanish National Holiday

1 November: All Saints

6 December: Spanish Constitution Day

8 December: Immaculate Conception

25 Janaury: Christmas Day