In life’s unpredictable twists and turns, there might come a time when you need to act fast to help someone in an emergency. Knowing the right English phrases can make a significant difference in first aid situations. Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply want to be prepared, here are some essential English phrases to keep in your toolkit for when you need to assist someone in a medical emergency.
Recognizing the Situation
Before diving into the phrases, it’s crucial to understand the situation. Here are a few key signs that might indicate a need for first aid:
- Injuries: Cuts, burns, fractures, or bleeding.
- Illness: Vomiting, dizziness, or unconsciousness.
- Medical Conditions: Heart attack, stroke, or allergic reactions.
Calling for Help
911 / Emergency Services
- In the United States and Canada: “911, this is an emergency. Someone needs medical attention. Their location is at [address]. Please send an ambulance.”
- In the United Kingdom: “999, I need an ambulance. Their location is at [address]. They are [describe the situation].”
- In Australia: “000, I require emergency services. Someone is injured/ill at [address].”
Local Emergency Number
- Find the local emergency number in the area and say: “Please send an ambulance to [address]. They need medical attention.”
Describing the Situation
Assessing the Person
- Are they conscious?: “Can you hear me? Are you awake?”
- Are they breathing?: “Is there any breathing? Can you feel their breath on your cheek?”
- Is there a heartbeat?: “Do you feel a pulse? Can you hear a heartbeat?”
Describing the Injury or Illness
- Cuts and Bleeding: “There is a deep cut on their leg. It’s bleeding heavily.”
- Burns: “They have a serious burn on their arm. It’s second-degree.”
- Fractures: “They have a possible fracture in their arm. They are unable to move it.”
- Vomiting: “They are vomiting repeatedly.”
- Dizziness: “They feel dizzy and are having trouble standing up.”
Providing First Aid
General First Aid
- Stop the bleeding: “Press a clean cloth firmly on the wound to stop the bleeding.”
- Clean the wound: “Rinse the wound with water. Apply an antiseptic solution if available.”
- Bandage the wound: “Wrap a bandage around the wound to keep it clean.”
For Breathing Problems
- Open the airway: “Tilt their head back and lift their chin.”
- Check for breathing: “Check if they are breathing. If not, begin CPR.”
- Administer first aid: “If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position.”
For Allergic Reactions
- Identify the reaction: “They have a rash and difficulty breathing.”
- Seek medical help: “Please call for an ambulance. This is an allergic reaction.”
For Choking
- Encourage coughing: “Cough hard and try to dislodge the object.”
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver: “Stand behind them. Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their navel. Pull upward and inward rapidly.”
Final Reminders
- Stay calm: In emergency situations, remaining calm can help you think clearly and make the right decisions.
- Follow instructions: If you are on the phone with emergency services, listen carefully and follow their instructions.
- Seek professional help: Remember that these phrases are a guide for first aid situations and should not replace professional medical care.
Being prepared with these essential English phrases can empower you to make a difference in a critical moment. Always remember that the most important action is to seek professional medical help as soon as possible.