English for Emergency Situations

If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 in Britain (911 in America) to contact the police, ambulance or fire brigade. The operator will need to know which emergency service you require, what is wrong and where you are. Try to keep calm and speak clearly.

If you are out in a new place, always try to be aware of where you are, the road names and any distinguishing landmarks nearby in case you need to describe your location.

Useful English phrases for emergencies:

Can someone call 999?
I need an ambulance
I need the fire brigade
I need the police
Please hurry

 Fire

There’s a fire
The building’s on fire
Can you smell smoke?
I can smell burning
Call the fire brigade!

Crime

There’s been a theft
There’s been a burglary
I’ve been mugged
I’ve been attacked
I’ve been stabbed
My car/house has been broken into
Something has been stolen
Stop, thief!

Medical

Call for an ambulance
I need a doctor
There’s been an accident
He’s not breathing
Does anyone know how to do CPR?
I’ve burnt myself
I’ve cut myself
I can’t breathe
I’m having trouble breathing
I am choking
I can’t see
My eyes are stinging
I have gone into labour

Other Emergencies

I’m lost
We don’t know where we are
We’ve forgotten where we are staying
I’ve forgotten the name of my hotel
I’ve lost my wallet/purse/keys
I’ve locked myself out (of my house/car)
I can’t find my keys
I can’t get into my room