What to say when you call 911
When you call 911, give the exact location first, then say what happened, how many people are hurt and whether anyone is not breathing, bleeding heavily or trapped. Stay calm, answer each question, do what the dispatcher says, and stay on the line until they end the call. If you cannot talk safely, many areas also accept a text to 911.
About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Stay calm and dial 911; in other countries use the local emergency number.
- Say the address, including apartment number, cross street, highway mile marker or a landmark.
- Say what happened in one sentence, such as a man has collapsed and is not breathing.
- Say how many people are hurt and any danger such as fire, gas, traffic or a weapon.
- Answer every question and follow the instructions, which may include CPR coaching.
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up.
- Send someone to meet the ambulance, unlock the door and turn on outside lights.
- Learn your home and work addresses by heart, and check your phone's emergency location settings.
Common mistakes
- Starting with the story instead of the location.
- Hanging up before the dispatcher is finished.
- Assuming someone else has already called.
- Relying on your phone to send an exact location, which it may not.
Quick self-check
Three questions. Your last score is kept in this browser.
Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: What to say when you call 911
What to say
When you call 911, give the exact location first, then say what happened, how many people are hurt and whether anyone is not breathing, bleeding heavily or trapped. Stay calm, answer each question, do what the dispatcher says, and stay on the line until they end the call. If you cannot talk safely, many areas also accept a text to 911.
What to show, in order
- Stay calm and dial 911; in other countries use the local emergency number.
- Say the address, including apartment number, cross street, highway mile marker or a landmark.
- Say what happened in one sentence, such as a man has collapsed and is not breathing.
- Say how many people are hurt and any danger such as fire, gas, traffic or a weapon.
- Answer every question and follow the instructions, which may include CPR coaching.
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up.
- Send someone to meet the ambulance, unlock the door and turn on outside lights.
- Learn your home and work addresses by heart, and check your phone's emergency location settings.
The check question
Ask: What do you say first?
Related skills
- How to do hands-only CPR
- What to do after a minor car accident
- How to stop heavy bleeding
- Every skill in First Aid and Emergencies
Words on this page
Sources
- National 911 public education guidance, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .