Emergencies and Health: How to Call Emergency Services 999 or 911 - What to Say

How to Call Emergency Services (999/911 – What to Say)

Introduction

"Knowing how to call emergency services in English can be a lifesaver, literally. Mastering this skill can give you peace of mind and confidence in any situation."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST

Before we dive into the topic, make sure you're comfortable with basic English phrases like "hello," "thank you," and "yes/no" questions.

CORE CONTENT

Calling emergency services in English is a straightforward process, but it's essential to know what to say and how to say it. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Dial the number: In the UK, dial 999, and in the US, dial 911.
2. Stay calm: Take a deep breath and speak clearly.
3. Give your location: Say "I'm calling from [your location, e.g., 123 Main Street]."
4. Describe the emergency: Be as specific as possible. For example, "I have a medical emergency," or "There's a fire in my building."
5. Provide information: Share any relevant details, such as the number of people involved or any injuries.
6. Follow instructions: The operator will guide you through the process. Listen carefully and follow their instructions.

WORKED / MODEL EXAMPLE

Here's an example of a call to emergency services:

Operator: "Emergency services, what's your emergency?" You: "Hello, I'm calling from 456 Elm Street. I have a medical emergency. My friend is unconscious and not breathing." Operator: "Okay, stay on the line. Can you tell me more about the situation?" You: "Yes, my friend was walking down the street and collapsed. I'm with them now." Operator: "Alright, help is on the way. Can you stay with your friend and keep them safe?"

Common Mistakes (3–5)

1. Mistake: Not staying calm and speaking clearly. WHY IT HAPPENS: Panic can cause your voice to shake, and unclear speech can lead to miscommunication. CORRECT APPROACH: Take a deep breath, speak slowly, and enunciate clearly.
2. Mistake: Not providing enough information. WHY IT HAPPENS: You might be nervous or forget important details. CORRECT APPROACH: Make a mental note of key information, such as the location and number of people involved.
3. Mistake: Not following instructions. WHY IT HAPPENS: You might not understand the operator's instructions or get distracted. CORRECT APPROACH: Listen carefully to the operator and ask for clarification if needed.
4. Mistake: Not staying on the line. WHY IT HAPPENS: You might hang up too quickly or get distracted. CORRECT APPROACH: Stay on the line until the operator tells you it's okay to hang up.
5. Mistake: Not being honest about the situation. WHY IT HAPPENS: You might be embarrassed or worried about consequences. CORRECT APPROACH: Be honest and provide accurate information to ensure help arrives quickly and safely.

1‑MINUTE RECAP

"Remember, calling emergency services in English is a straightforward process. Stay calm, give your location, describe the emergency, provide information, and follow instructions. Don't make common mistakes like not staying calm, not providing enough information, not following instructions, not staying on the line, or not being honest. Practice what you've learned, and you'll be confident in any situation."

PRACTICE EXERCISES

• Practice dialing 999/911 and saying "Hello, I'm calling from [your location]."
• Role-play a scenario where you need to call emergency services.
• Practice describing an emergency situation, such as a fire or a medical emergency.

RESOURCES

• Watch a video on how to call emergency services in English.
• Practice with a language exchange partner or tutor.
• Download a language learning app that includes emergency services vocabulary and phrases.