THE BIG IDEA: WHAT → WHERE → WHO → HELP
1. “I need an ambulance.”
Name the service you are requesting.
2. “I need the police.”
Name the service you are requesting.
3. “There’s been an accident.”
Explain the event in a short sentence.
4. “Someone is hurt.”
Explain that a person is injured.
5. “I’m at…”
Give the location you know, such as an address or named landmark.
6. “I don’t know the address.”
Say when you do not know the exact address, then explain what you can see or identify.
7. “Can you track my location?”
Ask whether they can locate you. The question does not mean they can; continue explaining the location you know.
8. “They’re awake / unconscious.”
These are different descriptions. Use only the one that matches what you know; if unsure, say so.
9. “Please repeat that.”
Ask to hear an instruction again.
10. “What should I do?”
Ask for the next step and listen carefully to the answer.
Put it together
“I need an ambulance. Someone is hurt. I’m outside Central Station, by the main entrance. What should I do?”
Use the Four Finger Rule
WANT TO: What do you want to accomplish?
HAVE TO: What facts do you have to explain?
NEED TO: What question do you need answered?
MIGHT: What might you need to repeat or clarify?
Prepare your first sentence and one backup question. If you do not understand, try: “Could you say that again, please?”
Stop memorizing English. Start using it.
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Related lesson: English for a lost passport.
