Phrases › On the Plane › Ho bisogno di ossigeno, non respiro bene.

Ho bisogno di ossigeno, non respiro bene.

I need oxygen, I am not breathing well.

Pronunciation

os-SI-ge-no — stress on second syllable. Respiro: re-SPI-ro — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

Use this in a medical emergency on the plane when you are experiencing respiratory difficulty and need to alert cabin crew immediately.

What it means

Ho bisogno di (I need) + noun. Ossigeno (oxygen) — airlines carry portable oxygen on board. Non respiro bene (I am not breathing well) — respiro is present tense of respirare (to breathe). Bene (well) modified by non becomes poorly.

Variations

Mi sento mancare l'aria.

I feel like I am running out of air.

Mancare l'aria — idiomatic expression for feeling short of breath

Ho un attacco d'asma.

I am having an asthma attack.

Attacco d'asma — critical medical phrase for asthmatic passengers

C'è un medico a bordo?

Is there a doctor on board?

The classic emergency announcement — doctors are asked to identify themselves

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di ossigeno, non respiro bene! — Resto calma. Chiamo subito l'assistente. — Assistente: Arrivo, ho la bombola di ossigeno. Si rilassi e respiri lentamente. — Grazie, mi sento un po' meglio.

— I need oxygen, I am not breathing well! — Stay calm. I'll call the attendant right away. — Attendant: I'm coming, I have the oxygen cylinder. Relax and breathe slowly. — Thank you, I feel a bit better.

Cultural Note

All commercial aircraft are required by Italian and EU aviation law to carry medical oxygen and a defibrillator — cabin crew are trained in first aid and CPR.

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