B2English

A Medical Emergency

Use these phrases to quickly and clearly communicate critical information during a sudden medical emergency or when speaking with emergency services.

Key Phrases

Voice
Calling for help · 2 ways to say it

Call 911! We need an ambulance right away!

neutral

US - use 911 for emergencies

Call 999! We need an ambulance straight away!

neutral

UK - use 999 for emergencies

Checking responsiveness · 2 ways to say it

Hey, are you okay? Can you hear me?

casual

Sir, please open your eyes if you can hear me.

polite

Often used by first responders or when addressing strangers

Describing the emergency · 2 ways to say it

He's completely unconscious and barely breathing.

neutral

She just collapsed out of nowhere.

casual
Explaining what happened · 2 ways to say it

He took a really bad fall and hit his head.

casual

She was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

neutral
Reporting an allergy · 2 ways to say it

I think he's having a severe allergic reaction.

neutral

Does anybody have an EpiPen? She's going into anaphylactic shock!

neutral

More specific medical terminology often used by bystanders in severe cases

Locating pain · 2 ways to say it

Can you tell me exactly where it hurts the most?

polite

Where's the pain coming from right now?

casual
Reassuring the patient · 2 ways to say it

Hang in there, help is already on the way.

casual

Please try to stay as still as possible until the paramedics arrive.

polite
Stating the hospital destination · 2 ways to say it

They're going to take her to the ER at the general hospital.

casual

US - Emergency Room

They're going to take her to A&E at the general hospital.

casual

UK - Accident and Emergency

Practice Dialogue

Dispatcher
911, what is the location of your emergency?
Bystander
Right, I'm at the corner of 4th and Elm. A woman just collapsed out of nowhere, and she's not responding.
Dispatcher
Okay, I've dispatched an ambulance. Is she breathing normally?
Bystander
She's sort of gasping for air. I mean, it looks like a severe allergic reaction or something.
Dispatcher
Are you right next to her? See if you can find a medical bracelet.
Bystander
Yeah, I'm looking now. Wait, I see an EpiPen in her bag. Should I use it?
Dispatcher
If you know how to administer it, do so immediately, but try not to move her otherwise.
Bystander
Okay, done. She's starting to open her eyes a bit.
Dispatcher
That's good. Stay on the line and tell her that paramedics are almost there.

More Emergencies & Safety (B2)

← All English survival phrases