Foundation · Health

In an emergency

Your goal: call for help, provide your location, and explain what has happened. Calm, direct communication to ensure safety.

1

Survival Phrases

Getting help

  • Help! Please, help me!
  • Call an ambulance!
  • Call the police!

Giving information

  • My address is [Address].
  • There has been an accident.
  • [Name] is unconscious / not breathing.
2

Model Dialogue

Dispatcher: Emergency service. Which service do you require?

Caller: Ambulance, please! My friend collapsed.

Dispatcher: What is your exact address?

Caller: 12 Green Street, Apartment 3.

Dispatcher: Is he breathing?

Caller: Yes, but he is unconscious.

Dispatcher: Stay on the line. The ambulance is on the way.

3

Important Numbers

Numbers vary by country, but these are common:

  • USA / Canada: 911
  • Europe (general): 112
  • UK: 999
Pro Tip: Save the emergency number for the country you are currently in on your phone contact list.
4

Typical Mistakes

  • Help me emergency! → Help! It's an emergency!
  • I am in the street Green. → I am on Green Street.
5

Culture Note

  • Stay calm: Dispatchers are trained to keep you on the line and help you through the situation until professionals arrive.
6

Practical Task

  1. Your address. Write your current address clearly in English.
  2. Practice. Say "My address is..." out loud three times.

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐call for help?
  • ☐give your address?
  • ☐explain the situation briefly?