B1English

A Medical Emergency

Use these practical phrases to get help quickly, describe an injury, or talk to emergency services during a medical crisis.

Key Phrases

Voice
Calling for help · 2 ways to say it

Somebody call 911!

casual

US - 911 is the emergency number in North America.

Please call 999, we need an ambulance.

polite

UK - 999 is the emergency number in Britain.

Checking responsiveness · 2 ways to say it

Hey, can you hear me?

casual

Are you okay? Squeeze my hand.

neutral
Asking about pain · 2 ways to say it

Where does it hurt?

casual

Can you point to where the pain is?

neutral
Describing an injury · 2 ways to say it

She just tripped and hit her head.

casual

It looks like he has broken his wrist.

neutral
Reporting unresponsiveness · 2 ways to say it

He's out cold.

casual

Common spoken idiom meaning completely unconscious.

She is unconscious, but she's still breathing.

neutral
Reporting an allergy

He's having a severe allergic reaction.

neutral
Asking about allergy medication

Does anyone know if she has an EpiPen?

neutral
Instructing the victim · 2 ways to say it

Don't move, just stay right there.

casual

Please lie still until the ambulance arrives.

polite
Asking what happened · 2 ways to say it

What happened to him?

casual

Did anyone see exactly how he got hurt?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Witness
Hey, I need some help over here! A man just fell.
Responder
I'm coming. Did he hit his head?
Witness
Yeah, he tripped on the steps. I haven't touched him.
Responder
Right. Sir, can you hear me? ... He's out cold.
Witness
Has anyone called 911?
Responder
Not yet. Call them right now, and tell them he's unconscious.
Witness
Okay, I'm dialing. Is he breathing?
Responder
Uh-huh, his breathing is steady. If he wakes up, we will keep him still.

More Emergencies & Safety (B1)

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