Emergencies
What do you do in an emergency? Who can you call? Use the activities below to practice English vocabulary for emergencies.
A 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. Click here to see some examples of when to call 911.
When you call 911, the emergency operator will ask what, where, and who questions such as:
"What is the emergency?" or "What happened?"
"What is your address?" or "Where do you live?"
"Who needs help?" or "Who is with you?"
Watch this video to see an example of a 911 emergency call.
Practice a Conversation
A: This is 9-1-1. What is your emergency?
B: My son fell down the stairs. He is unconscious.
A: Is he breathing?
B: Yes.
A: What’s your name?
B: My name is ____.
A: What’s your address?
B: My address is ____.
A: Can you repeat that?
B: My address is ____.
A: Stay on the line. I am sending an ambulance to you.
B: I don’t understand.
A: Don’t hang up. I am sending help.
B: Thank you.
Emergency or Non-Emergency?
Read each example. Is it an emergency (call 911) or non-emergency (don't call 911)?
1. There’s a fire in your neighbor’s house.
2. Your neighbors are playing loud music.
3. Someone is having a heart attack.
4. Your son has a bad earache. He is crying.
5. The neighbor’s dog is barking all night.
6. Someone stole your car.
7. There is a bad car accident.
8. You have a headache.
9. You hear a gunshot.
10. Your electricity went out.