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PhrasesOn the PlaneMi sento male. Ho bisogno di aiuto.
A1

Mi sento male. Ho bisogno di aiuto.

I feel ill. I need help.

Pronunciation

mi SEN-to MA-le — clear and distinct. 'Aiuto' is a-IU-to — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

In any medical situation on board where you need immediate assistance from cabin crew.

What it means

'Mi sento male' (I feel ill/unwell) is formed with the reflexive 'sentirsi' (to feel) + 'male' (bad/poorly). This is the most important phrase to know for medical emergencies. 'Ho bisogno di aiuto' (I need help) can be used in any emergency situation.

Variations

Ho bisogno di un sacchetto per il mal d'aria.

I need a sick bag for motion sickness.

Sick bags are in the seat pocket in front of you

C'è un medico a bordo?

Is there a doctor on board?

Cabin crew will announce this in emergencies

Ho difficoltà a respirare.

I am having difficulty breathing.

A medical emergency — press the call button immediately

Mini Dialogue

— Mi sento male. Ho bisogno di aiuto. — Stia tranquillo. Cosa ha? — Ho nausea e giramento di testa. — Si sieda dritto e respiri lentamente. Le porto dell'acqua e dell'ossigeno. — Grazie. Sarà grave? — Probabilmente è solo il cambio di pressione. Stiamo atterrando tra venti minuti.

— I feel ill. I need help. — Stay calm. What's wrong? — I have nausea and dizziness. — Sit upright and breathe slowly. I'll bring you water and oxygen. — Thank you. Is it serious? — It's probably just the pressure change. We are landing in twenty minutes.

Cultural Note

All Italian and EU airline cabin crews are trained in first aid. Aircraft carry basic medical equipment including defibrillators. Cabin crew will ask passengers if there is a doctor on board for serious medical situations. Airlines are required to divert if a passenger's condition is life-threatening.