What to Say When You Call 911: Emergency English

It is very important to know what to say when you call 911. In the United States, 911 is the number for emergencies (very serious, dangerous problems). You call 911 when you need help fast.

You can call 911 for a fire, a crime, or a medical problem (a health problem). The call is free. You can call from any phone.

When you call 911: the first steps

Take a deep breath. Try to stay calm. Speak slowly and clearly.

The person who answers is called a dispatcher (a worker who sends help). The dispatcher will ask you questions. Answer each question the best you can.

Do not worry if your English is not perfect. Simple words are okay. The most important thing is to ask for help.

You can say your language

Many 911 centers have people who speak other languages. You can ask for help in your language.

• “I speak Spanish. I need a Spanish speaker, please.”
• “I speak Arabic. Please, an Arabic interpreter.” (An interpreter is a person who helps with language.)

Wait a moment. The dispatcher can add an interpreter to the call.

The most important words to say

The dispatcher needs to know three things fast:

• What is happening? — the problem
• Where are you? — the address (your street and number)
• Who needs help? — you or another person

Your address is the most important thing. Say it first if you can. Then help can come, even if the call stops.

Easy phrases to ask for help

• “I need help. This is an emergency.”
• “There is a fire at my house.”
• “Someone is hurt.”
• “My address is 123 Main Street, apartment 4.”
• “Please send an ambulance.” (An ambulance is a special car for sick people.)
• “Please send the police.”
• “Please send the fire truck.”

A simple dialogue for when you call 911

Here is an example. Read it many times. This helps you feel ready.

Dispatcher: “911. What is your emergency?”
You: “My husband is very sick. He cannot breathe.” (Breathe means to take in air.)

Dispatcher: “What is your address?”
You: “456 Oak Street, apartment 2. In Miami.”

Dispatcher: “Okay. Help is coming. Is he awake?”
You: “Yes, he is awake. But he is in pain.”

Dispatcher: “Stay on the phone with me.”
You: “Okay. Thank you.”

Do you see? The words are simple. You do not need big words. You just need clear words.

Stay on the phone when you call 911

The dispatcher may ask you to stay on the phone. This means: do not end the call. Keep talking until help comes.

The dispatcher may also tell you what to do. Listen and follow. For example:

• “Unlock the door.”
• “Wait outside for the ambulance.”
• “Put pressure on the cut.” (Push on it to stop the blood.)

You can ask the dispatcher to repeat. Say: “Please say that again.” Or say: “Please speak slowly.”

Words to learn before an emergency

Learn these words now. Then you will remember them when you need them.

• Emergency — a serious, dangerous problem
• Ambulance — a car for sick or hurt people
• Police — workers who help with crimes
• Fire truck — a truck that stops fires
• Hurt — in pain or with an injury
• Bleeding — losing blood
• Address — where you live (street and number)
• Awake — not sleeping, eyes open

Prepare now, before you need 911

You can get ready today. This makes an emergency less scary.

• Write your home address on paper. Put it near your phone.
• Learn the address of your work.
• Teach your children how to call 911.
• Practice the phrases above with a friend.

You can also say your address out loud every day. Then it becomes easy to remember.

Important: do not call 911 for small things

Call 911 only for real emergencies. Do not call for questions or small problems. For example, do not call 911 to ask about the weather.

For non-emergency help, many cities have the number 311. This is for city help that is not urgent.

What to remember when you call 911

Let us review the main ideas. Keep these in your mind.

• Stay calm. Speak slowly.
• Say your address first.
• Say what is wrong.
• Ask for your language if you need it.
• Stay on the phone until help comes.

You are learning something very useful. This skill can keep you and your family safe.

Emergencies are scary. But you now know what to say when you call 911. Practice a little each week. Soon, these words will feel easy. You can do this. Stay safe, and be proud of your learning.