Call 112!
'Chiamate' = kya-MA-teh. This is the imperative plural (for a group). For one person: 'Chiami' (formal) or 'Chiama' (informal).
Directing bystanders to call the emergency number — the single most important emergency phrase.
'Chiamate' is the imperative plural of 'chiamare' (to call). The number 112 in Italy connects to a centralised emergency coordination centre (NUE — Numero Unico di Emergenza) that dispatches police, ambulance or fire brigade. All operators are trained in Italian, English and other languages. The call is free from any phone and traceable for location.
Chiami il 118, è un'emergenza medica!
Call 118, it's a medical emergency!
118 is dedicated to medical emergencies — direct and faster than 112 for health crises.
Qualcuno ha già chiamato i soccorsi?
Has anyone already called emergency services?
Check before calling — multiple calls to the same emergency cause delays.
Io chiamo il 112 — lei stia con la vittima.
I'll call 112 — you stay with the victim.
Coordinating a response — assign roles to bystanders.
Italy's NUE 112 system was introduced gradually from 2017 and now covers most regions. Operators can triangulate mobile phone positions to locate callers who cannot give their address. Text messages to 112 are available for deaf users in Italy through the Emergency SMS service registered via the Polizia di Stato website.