Body · First aid basics

When to call 911

Call 911 whenever someone needs police, fire or an ambulance right now, including choking, not breathing, severe chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, a seizure over a minute, heavy bleeding, a fire, or a crime in progress. Say the location first (address plus apartment or room number), then your phone number and what's happening. Follow the call-taker's instructions and don't hang up until they say so, even if you dialed by accident. Voice beats text. Any cell phone can call 911, but one without service can't send your location.

Easy10 min to readFreeChecked October 2, 2026

You'll need

A phone. Any cell phone can call 911, even without service.
Your exact address, including apartment or room number

What to know

Call 911 for any situation that needs immediate help from police, the fire department or an ambulance. Source: 911.gov¹
Lead with the location: street address, plus room or apartment number in a large building. Source: 911.gov² In a dorm or a new place, learn the address now so you're not guessing later.
Then give the phone number you're calling from, what the emergency is, and details: injuries or symptoms, what a fire looks like, or a description of a person who committed a crime. Source: 911.gov¹
Answer every question. The questions help send the right help to the right place quickly. Source: 911.gov²
Do what the call-taker says. Many 911 centers can walk you through helping someone who's choking or needs first aid or CPR until help arrives. Source: 911.gov¹
Don't hang up until they tell you to. Source: 911.gov¹

Watch out Dialed 911 by mistake? Don't hang up. Hanging up can make them think there's an emergency and send responders. Stay on and explain. Source: 911.gov²

Call 911 right away for

MedlinePlus says call 911 if someone could die or be permanently disabled and can't wait. Source: MedlinePlus⁴

Type	Examples
Breathing	Choking, stopped breathing, severe shortness of breath
Heart and brain	Severe chest pain or pressure; suddenly unable to speak, see, walk or move; sudden weakness or drooping on one side
Injury	Head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion; neck or spine injury, especially with numbness or inability to move; severe burn; electric shock or lightning strike
Seizure	Lasting more than 1 minute, or the person doesn't wake up quickly
Overdose	A suspected overdose, Source: SAMHSA⁵ including alcohol Source: NIAAA⁶

Call 911 or go to the ER for

Trouble breathing, passing out or fainting Source: MedlinePlus⁴
Pain in the arm or jaw Source: MedlinePlus⁴
An unusual or bad headache, especially one that started suddenly Source: MedlinePlus⁴
Dizziness or weakness that doesn't go away Source: MedlinePlus⁴
Breathing in smoke or poisonous fumes Source: MedlinePlus⁴
Sudden confusion or heavy bleeding Source: MedlinePlus⁴

What to say

"I need an ambulance at [street address], apartment [number], in [city]. My number is [phone]. My roommate collapsed and isn't breathing normally." Then answer their questions and stay on the line.

See it done

Video by City of Clive Government

Simulated 911 Call With Real Westcom Dispatchers

Watch on YouTube: Simulated 911 Call With Real Westcom Dispatchers

2025 · Checked October 3, 2026

A practice fire call with real dispatchers. The first question is the address, like our step 2. Notice she tells the caller to stay outside and not go back in.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Calling about someone in a different city or state? 911 calls generally can't be transferred. Call that area's police at its 10-digit number, listed on the local agency's website. Source: 911.gov²
Someone swallowed something they shouldn't have? Contact Poison Control online or at 1-800-222-1222. Source: Poison Control⁷
Thoughts of suicide or emotional crisis, with no immediate danger? Call or text 988. See 988: when and how to reach out.

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Text to 911

Text-to-911 works only in some areas. Voice calls give 911 more information, so call if you can and text only if you can't. If texting isn't available, you'll get an automatic bounce-back message. Source: FCC 911.gov³²

Phones without service

Any cell phone can call 911, but without active service it won't send your location, and the center can't call you back if you're disconnected. Source: 911.gov²

Not an emergency?

Use your local non-emergency number. Search "emergency communications center non-emergency number" plus your city, county and state. Don't call 911 to get it. Source: 911.gov²

Cost

ER care can cost 2 to 3 times more than the same care at a doctor's office, so for things that can wait, use your doctor or urgent care. If someone could die or be permanently disabled, it's an emergency. Source: MedlinePlus⁴ See Urgent care vs. the ER.

Take it with you

Printable card Download card (PDF)

Sources

911.gov Calling 911
911.gov Frequently asked questions
Federal Communications Commission Text to 911
MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) When to use the emergency room
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 988 frequently asked questions
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Understanding the dangers of alcohol overdose
Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center) Poison Control

Lesson B7.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

Report a mistake

Next in BodyStress vs. something more

Once a week, if you want it

One new lesson or checklist a week. Totally optional. The lessons never need a sign-up.