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PhrasesCalling AmbulanceC'è qualcuno che si sta facendo del male.
B2

C'è qualcuno che si sta facendo del male.

There is someone hurting themselves.

Pronunciation

fa-CEN-do — three syllables, stress on second. 'Male' — MA-le. Present progressive for ongoing action.

When to use it

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.

What it means

'Si sta facendo del male' = is hurting themselves (reflexive progressive). This is a delicate phrase requiring compassion. When calling: describe the situation, location, apparent severity, whether weapons are involved. The dispatcher may send police ('carabinieri') alongside ambulance for safety. Do not panic or react with judgment.

Variations

Una persona è in crisi suicidaria.

A person is in a suicidal crisis.

Clinical term — dispatchers understand this immediately and respond accordingly

Il mio amico ha detto che vuole farsi del male.

My friend said he wants to hurt himself.

Verbal suicidal ideation — still requires emergency response

Ho trovato qualcuno che si è tagliato le braccia.

I found someone who has cut their arms.

Self-harm discovery — report injuries, call 118 for medical response

Mini Dialogue

— Pronto, 118. C'è qualcuno che si sta facendo del male. Una mia amica. — Dove si trova? — In casa sua. Via Mazzini trenta, Roma. Non risponde più al telefono. — Ha detto qualcosa prima? — Ha scritto un messaggio che mi preoccupa molto. — Stiamo inviando aiuto. Può andare da lei? — Ci vado subito.

— Hello, 118. There is someone hurting themselves. A friend of mine. — Where is she? — At her home. Via Mazzini 30, Rome. She is no longer answering the phone. — Did she say anything before? — She wrote a message that worries me a lot. — We are sending help. Can you go to her? — I am going right now.

Cultural Note

Italy's mental health emergency support includes: 118 (medical emergency), 112 (police for safety), and dedicated crisis lines ('Telefono Amico' 02/2327-2327, 'Telefono Azzurro' 19696 for minors, 'Progetto Itaca' helplines). Italian mental health services ('DSM — Dipartimento di Salute Mentale') have crisis intervention teams in major cities. Stigma around mental health is decreasing in Italy but remains a barrier — awareness campaigns are ongoing.