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

What to know

Call 911 for any situation that needs immediate help from police, the fire department or an ambulance. Source: 911.gov
Lead with the location: street address, plus room or apartment number in a large building. Source: 911.gov 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.gov
Answer every question. The questions help send the right help to the right place quickly. Source: 911.gov
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.gov
Don't hang up until they tell you to. Source: 911.gov

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.gov

Call 911 right away for

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

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: SAMHSA including alcohol Source: NIAAA

Call 911 or go to the ER for

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

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.

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.gov
Someone swallowed something they shouldn't have? Contact Poison Control online or at 1-800-222-1222. Source: Poison Control
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

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.gov

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.gov

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.gov

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: MedlinePlus See Urgent care vs. the ER.

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 B6.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

See a mistake? Tell us

Next in BodyStress vs. something more