Everyday English for Emergencies: What to Say and Do

Be Prepared: English You Need for Emergencies

Emergencies are unpredictable. Whether you're at home, traveling, or out in public, knowing the right English phrases can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll guide you through essential vocabulary and expressions to handle urgent situations — calmly and clearly.

Essential Emergency Phrases

• “Call an ambulance!”
• “There’s been an accident.”
• “I need help right now.”
• “Someone is hurt.”
• “Please stay calm.”

These short, clear sentences can be used in nearly any emergency. Try practicing them out loud to build confidence.

Describing Symptoms or Situations

It’s important to explain what’s happening, especially in medical or travel emergencies:

• “He’s having chest pain.”
• “She can’t breathe.”
• “I think I broke my leg.”
• “There’s a fire in the building.”

If you want more vocabulary for medical scenarios, check out our earlier post: Doctor Dialogues: Essential English for Medical Visits.

Talking to Emergency Services

When calling 911 or emergency services, stay calm and speak clearly:

• “My address is…”
• “The person is unconscious.”
• “It happened just now.”

Use polite but direct language — this helps responders act quickly and correctly.

Body Language and Clarity

If English isn’t your first language, combine words with gestures. Pointing, showing ID, or drawing quick sketches can help in high-stress moments.

Stay simple and avoid slang. This isn’t the time to say “He’s out of it” — say “He is unconscious.”

Practice Makes Prepared

It may sound strange, but practicing emergency conversations can save lives. Try these role-play ideas with a friend or in your ESL class:

• Report a theft at an airport.
• Call for help during a fire drill.
• Explain a traffic accident to a police officer.

For more helpful everyday situations, read our post Hotel English: Vocabulary for Travelers.

External Resources for More Practice

Want to learn directly from emergency training experts? Visit the Red Cross emergency preparedness page for useful tips in English.

Final Thoughts

Emergencies test our nerves and language skills. But even a few simple phrases can make you feel safer, calmer, and more in control. Practice them now — and share this post with friends who might need it too.