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PhrasesCalling AmbulanceMi può dare le istruzioni mentre aspetto?
B1urgent

Mi può dare le istruzioni mentre aspetto?

Can you give me instructions while I wait?

Pronunciation

is-tru-TSYO-ni — four syllables, stress on third. 'Mentre' — MEN-tre, while.

When to use it

Ask the dispatcher to guide you through first aid while waiting for the ambulance. This is their job and they will help.

What it means

'Mi può dare' = can you give me. 'Le istruzioni' = the instructions. 'Mentre aspetto' = while I wait. Italian 118 dispatchers are specifically trained in 'istruzioni pre-arrivo' (pre-arrival instructions) — guiding callers through CPR, recovery position, bleeding control, and choking relief. Do not hang up until told to do so.

Variations

Non riattacchi. La guido io.

Do not hang up. I will guide you.

The dispatcher will say this — standard protocol for active emergencies

Come posso fermare il sanguinamento?

How can I stop the bleeding?

Ask for bleeding control instructions — dispatcher will guide you

Cosa faccio mentre aspetto l'ambulanza?

What do I do while I wait for the ambulance?

General request for interim first aid guidance

Mini Dialogue

— Mi può dare le istruzioni mentre aspetto? Non so cosa fare! — Certo, sono qui con lei. Prima di tutto: è cosciente? — Sì, ma è molto debole. — Bene. La metta in posizione sdraiata. Sollevi le gambe se può. — Come? — Metta qualcosa sotto le caviglie — un cuscino, una borsa. Aiuta la circolazione.

— Can you give me instructions while I wait? I do not know what to do! — Of course, I am here with you. First of all: is she conscious? — Yes, but very weak. — Good. Lay her down. Raise her legs if you can. — How? — Put something under her ankles — a pillow, a bag. It helps circulation.

Cultural Note

Italian 118 dispatchers undergo specific training in 'PDI' (Protocollo di Defibrillazione Precoce) and 'istruzioni pre-arrivo' for CPR and other emergencies. Research shows that dispatcher-assisted CPR significantly increases survival rates. The dispatcher remains on the call until the ambulance arrives and can directly communicate updates. Some Italian 118 systems are trialling telemedicine video-calls to help dispatchers assess patients remotely.