Most standard drugs are available in pharmacies , farmácias, which you'll find everywhere - no prescriptions are necessary. A pharmacy will also give injections (you need a tetanus jab if you get bitten by a dog) and free medical advice, and they're a good first line of defence if you fall ill. Emergency phone numbers vary from place to place, but you'll always find them listed in phone boxes - look for Bombeiros or Polícia Civil.   If you are unlucky enough to need medical treatment in Brazil, forget about the public hospitals - as a foreigner you have virtually no chance of getting a bed unless you have an infectious disease, and the level of health care offered by most is appalling. You can get reasonably good medical and dental care privately: North Americans will think it fairly inexpensive, Europeans used to state-subsidized health care will not. A doctor's visit will cost on average US$35-50; drugs are relatively cheap. Local tourist offices and smart hotels in big cities will have lists of English-, French- and German-speaking doctors ; ask for a médico. Outside the larger centres, you will probably have to try out your Portuguese. If a medical emergency occurs in an out-of-the-way location, there's an excellent air ambulance service (tel 011/5506-0606, fax 846-8689) that guarantees collection anywhere in the country within 24 hours of calling. If considering this option be sure to contact your travel insurance company before phoning for a plane.