I certainly agree about the statement regarding public/state hospitals - not as a medical professional but as a potential patient. I suffered a head, knee, and shoulder injury from a fall and I was taken to a public hospital because the two boys with me did not speak English and I could not remember the name of the hospital in Copacabana. I was in much pain but as I was pushed into the emergency room (in stainless wheel chair (the wheels moved only forward and backwary). My focus immediately shifted from my pain to thoughts about how the hell I was going to get out of there alive. I finally found a radiologist who spoke English and he told me the hospital in Copa was COPA D'OR. So we immediately boarded a taxi and away we went to Copa D'or. We arrived at the emegency enterance and were met by two men in suits, wearing white gloves. The emergency room would put any emergency room I've seen in the US to shame! The place was spotless and the decor was color-coordinated. I received immediate attention. I spent the night in the emergency room - received IV's, a CatScan, x-rays, medication, and excellent care and the total charge was R$993. So if you need a hospital or emergency room in Rio - remember COPA D'OR!
