Lesson 7

Emergency Phrases: Staying Safe While Traveling

8 min read
35+ phrases

Nobody wants to think about emergencies while planning a trip, but being prepared can make all the difference if something goes wrong. This lesson covers essential phrases for medical emergencies, accidents, theft, and other urgent situations. We hope you never need these phrases, but knowing them provides peace of mind.

In any emergency, staying calm is crucial. Speak slowly and clearly, and do not be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves or speak more slowly if you do not understand.

Emergency Numbers

In the US and Canada, dial 911 for all emergencies. In the UK, dial 999 or 112. In Australia, dial 000. In the EU, 112 works everywhere. Save the local emergency number in your phone before you travel.

Calling for Help

The most important phrases are those that help you get immediate assistance:

"Help! I need help!"
The most basic call for assistance.
"Please call an ambulance!"
Requesting emergency medical transport.
"There has been an accident."
Reporting that an accident has occurred.
"I need the police."
Requesting law enforcement assistance.

Medical Emergencies

When dealing with health issues, you need to describe symptoms and conditions clearly:

Hospital
A facility for medical treatment
Emergency room / A&E
Department for urgent medical care
Ambulance
Vehicle for emergency medical transport
Pharmacy / Chemist
Store that sells medicine
Doctor
Medical professional
Paramedic
Emergency medical technician
You
Help! My friend has collapsed and is not responding.
Operator
Stay calm. Is the person breathing?
You
Yes, but they are unconscious. We are at the corner of Main Street and Oak Avenue.
Operator
An ambulance is on the way. Stay with them and do not move them.

Describing Symptoms

Being able to explain what is wrong helps medical professionals provide the right care:

"I have chest pain and difficulty breathing."
Describing symptoms that could indicate a heart attack.
"I am allergic to penicillin."
Warning about a drug allergy.
"I am diabetic and need insulin."
Explaining an ongoing medical condition.
  • "I feel dizzy and nauseous." - Describing faintness and stomach upset
  • "I have severe pain in my stomach." - Indicating abdominal distress
  • "I think I have broken my arm." - Suspecting a fracture
  • "I have been stung by a bee and I am allergic." - Reporting an allergic reaction risk
  • "I am having trouble seeing clearly." - Vision problems
Travel Tip

Carry a card with your blood type, allergies, and any medications you take. In an emergency where you cannot speak, this information could save your life.

Theft and Lost Items

Unfortunately, travelers can be targets for theft. Here is how to report stolen or lost items:

"My wallet has been stolen."
Reporting that someone took your wallet.
"I have lost my passport."
Reporting a missing passport.
"Someone stole my bag on the subway."
Describing where the theft occurred.
You
I need to report a theft. Someone took my backpack at the train station.
Officer
When did this happen and what was in the bag?
You
About an hour ago. It had my camera, laptop, and some cash inside.
Officer
Do you have the serial numbers for the electronics? I will file a report for you.
Police station
Where to report crimes
Police report
Official document of the incident
Embassy / Consulate
Where to get help with passport issues
Travel insurance
Coverage for travel-related losses

Accidents and Incidents

Whether you witness an accident or are involved in one, these phrases help you communicate effectively:

"There has been a car accident. People are injured."
Reporting a traffic accident with injuries.
"I witnessed the accident and can describe what happened."
Offering to provide information as a witness.
"The other driver ran a red light."
Explaining how an accident occurred.

Fire and Natural Emergencies

In case of fire or natural disasters, these phrases are essential:

"Fire! Everyone get out!"
Alerting others to evacuate.
"Where is the emergency exit?"
Finding the safest way out.
"Is there a shelter nearby?"
Asking for safe refuge during a natural disaster.

At the Hospital

If you need to visit a hospital, these phrases will help:

Insurance card
Proof of health coverage
Medical history
Your past health conditions
Prescription
Doctor's order for medicine
X-ray / Scan
Medical imaging tests
"Do you have a translator available?"
Requesting language assistance at a hospital.
"I need to contact my embassy."
Requesting help to reach your country's representatives.

Staying Safe

Prevention is better than cure. Here are phrases for avoiding dangerous situations:

  • "Is this area safe to walk at night?" - Asking about neighborhood safety
  • "I do not feel comfortable. I am leaving." - Removing yourself from a situation
  • "Please leave me alone." - Setting boundaries with persistent strangers
  • "I am going to call the police if you do not stop." - Warning someone to back off
Safety Tip

Always share your itinerary with someone back home. Register with your embassy if traveling to high-risk areas. Keep digital copies of important documents in cloud storage.

Essential Emergency Vocabulary

Injured
Physically hurt
Unconscious
Not awake or responsive
Bleeding
Losing blood from a wound
Poisoning
Harm from toxic substances
First aid
Basic emergency medical care
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We hope you never need to use these phrases, but being prepared helps you stay calm and take effective action in any emergency. In our next lesson, we will cover making reservations for restaurants, tours, and activities.