26 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Chiamate il centodiciotto!
Call 118! (Italian medical emergency number)
Shout this in any medical emergency in Italy. 118 is the dedicated medical emergency number. Say the number clearly and loudly.
Dove si trova? Ci dia l'indirizzo.
Where are you? Give us the address.
The dispatcher will ask you this immediately. Be ready to give a precise address, landmark, or GPS coordinates.
Cosa è successo?
What happened?
The dispatcher will ask you this. Also use it yourself when arriving at a scene to quickly assess the situation.
La persona è cosciente.
The person is conscious.
Report consciousness level immediately to the dispatcher. This is one of the first questions they will ask.
Non respira!
He/she is not breathing!
The most critical phrase in any emergency. Say this immediately and the dispatcher will start guiding you through CPR.
Sta avendo un infarto!
He/she is having a heart attack!
Report suspected heart attack immediately. Time is critical — every minute without treatment increases heart damage.
Sta avendo un ictus!
He/she is having a stroke!
Report suspected stroke immediately. Time lost = brain lost ('il tempo è cervello'). The FAST test helps identify stroke signs.
Ha avuto una crisi epilettica!
He/she had an epileptic seizure!
Report a seizure to the dispatcher. If the person is already having their first seizure or the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call 118 immediately.
Ha ingerito qualcosa di tossico!
He/she swallowed something toxic!
Report poisoning immediately. Also call the Italian Poison Control Centre: 06/49978000 (Rome, 24h).
È caduto da una grande altezza.
He/she fell from a great height.
Report a fall from height to the dispatcher. This triggers a trauma response with spinal precautions.
C'è stato un incidente stradale!
There has been a road accident!
Report a road accident to 118. Also call 112 (police) and 115 (fire brigade) if people are trapped.
Sta annegando!
He/she is drowning!
Shout this immediately if someone is drowning. Also alert lifeguards, nearby boats, or any bystander. Then call 118.
C'è un incendio!
There is a fire!
For fire, call 115 (vigili del fuoco). Also call 118 if people are injured. Evacuate first, then call — never re-enter a burning building.
Fate presto, è urgente!
Hurry, it is urgent!
Add this to any emergency call to emphasise urgency. Effective when you feel the dispatcher is not understanding the severity.
Sto facendo la rianimazione!
I am doing CPR / I am performing resuscitation!
Tell the dispatcher when you have already started CPR. They will guide you on technique and rhythm.
Dov'è il defibrillatore?
Where is the defibrillator?
Shout this in any public space if someone collapses. AEDs are now mandatory in Italian public buildings, airports, stations, and sports facilities.
Ha una reazione anafilattica!
He/she is having an anaphylactic reaction!
Report severe allergic reaction immediately. If the person has an EpiPen, use it now — do not wait. Then call 118.
Mi può dare le istruzioni mentre aspetto?
Can you give me instructions while I wait?
Ask the dispatcher to guide you through first aid while waiting for the ambulance. This is their job and they will help.
Quanto impiega l'ambulanza ad arrivare?
How long will the ambulance take to arrive?
Ask the dispatcher for an estimated arrival time. Helps you know how long you need to maintain first aid.
C'è qualcuno che si sta facendo del male.
There is someone hurting themselves.
Report self-harm to 118 or 112. Approach with calm — do not leave the person alone if safe to stay. The dispatcher will guide you.
Sta avendo una crisi asmatica grave!
He/she is having a severe asthma attack!
Report severe asthma attack to 118. If the person has a reliever inhaler ('broncodilatatore'), use it first. Then call if no improvement.
È una donna incinta in travaglio!
There is a pregnant woman in labour!
Call 118 if labour is advanced, contractions are frequent (less than 5 minutes apart), or if there are complications (bleeding, cord prolapse, premature).
Un bambino si è strozzato!
A child is choking!
Shout this if a child is choking. For complete airway obstruction (cannot breathe, cannot cough, no sound), perform back blows and Heimlich immediately. Then call 118.
Sta avendo una forte reazione allergica.
He/she is having a strong allergic reaction.
Report moderate to severe allergic reactions. For mild reactions (hives without breathing difficulty), a pharmacist can advise. For severe reactions with breathing difficulty, call 118.
Sono testimone di un incidente. Come posso aiutare?
I am a witness to an accident. How can I help?
If you witness an accident and are unsure what to do, call 118 and ask for guidance. The dispatcher will tell you what to do.
Grazie per l'aiuto. L'ambulanza è arrivata.
Thank you for your help. The ambulance has arrived.
Tell the dispatcher when the ambulance arrives. They need to know so they can close the call and free resources.