Calling emergency services (911)

Situation

An emergency happens at your home and you call 911. This dialogue shows how to describe the situation and give your address clearly.

The roles

AYouBThe dispatcher

You
Listen
Bonjour, j'ai besoin d'une ambulance, c'est urgent.
Hello, I need an ambulance, it's urgent.
The dispatcher
Listen
Restez calme. Quelle est votre adresse exacte ?
Stay calm. What is your exact address?
You
Listen
Je suis au 250, rue des Érables, au deuxième étage.
I'm at 250 des Érables Street, on the second floor.
The dispatcher
Listen
Très bien. Pouvez-vous me dire ce qui se passe ?
Very good. Can you tell me what's happening?
You
Listen
Mon voisin a perdu connaissance et il respire mal.
My neighbour has lost consciousness and he's breathing badly.

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Calling emergency services (911)Dialogue 207

The dispatcher
Listen
L'ambulance est en route. Est-ce qu'il est conscient maintenant ?
The ambulance is on its way. Is he conscious now?
You
Listen
Non, toujours pas. Qu'est-ce que je dois faire en attendant ?
No, still not. What should I do while I wait?
The dispatcher
Listen
Restez avec lui et gardez la ligne, je vais vous guider.
Stay with him and keep the line open, I'll guide you.

Vocabulary

une ambulancean ambulance
l'adresse exactethe exact address
perdre connaissanceto lose consciousness
respirerto breathe
en routeon the way

Culture note

In Quebec, during a 911 call, you should stay on the line until the dispatcher allows you to hang up. They can give instructions to follow while you wait for help.

Web version

Translations, save words, play all.

Calling emergency services (911)Web version ↗

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Dialogue 207 / 369 · p. 417–418 / 742