First Aid in English: Key Language Points
In a genuine emergency, clear communication in English can be the difference between effective help and dangerous confusion. Below are the most important language points for first aid situations in English-speaking countries.
Which number to call?
- 999 — UK (police, ambulance, fire — one number, one call)
- 911 — USA and Canada
- 112 — universal European number (also works in the UK from any mobile, even without a SIM)
- 000 — Australia
The dispatcher asks: 'Emergency services, which service do you require?' Answer immediately with one word: 'Ambulance', 'Fire' or 'Police'. Give your exact location right away — street name, building number, nearest landmark.
How to speak to the dispatcher
Three questions you will always be asked:
1. 'What is the emergency?' — one sentence: 'A man has collapsed and is not breathing.'
2. 'What is your exact location?' — street and number, plus a landmark: 'On King Street, outside the post office, near the junction with Baker Road.'*
3. 'Is the person conscious and breathing?'** — answer yes/no clearly
Stay on the line — the dispatcher will guide you through steps while help is on its way. Do not hang up until told to.
CPR: 'perform' not 'make'
The correct collocation is perform CPR (formal) or start CPR / do CPR (casual). Never say 'make CPR' — this is a common learner error.
Current UK guidelines (2015): for untrained bystanders, hands-only CPR is recommended — chest compressions only, no rescue breaths. Push hard and fast: 30 compressions, 5 cm deep, at 100–120 per minute. If trained, add 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions.
Say to bystanders: 'Does anyone here know CPR?' or 'I'm going to start CPR — can someone call 999?'
AED: automated external defibrillator
An AED gives voice instructions — you do not need training to use one. Find it: 'Is there an AED nearby?' When it says 'Stand clear — shock advised', everyone must step back and not touch the patient.
FAST: recognising a stroke
UK paramedics use FAST to spot strokes quickly:
* Face — drooping on one side?
* Arms — one arm weak or numb?
* Speech — slurred or strange?
* Time — call 999 immediately; every minute counts
'I think she's having a stroke — I'm calling 999 now.'
Anaphylaxis and EpiPen
Anaphylaxis = severe allergic reaction: throat swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, drop in blood pressure. If the person has an EpiPen, inject it into the outer thigh through clothing. Then call 999: 'She's going into anaphylactic shock. I've administered the EpiPen. We need an ambulance urgently.' Even after EpiPen, the patient needs hospital assessment.