Medical Emergencies in Japan: How to Call 119 & What to Say

Quick answer (30 seconds): In a medical emergency in Japan, dial 119 for an ambulance — it's free, for anyone, regardless of nationality. When it connects, say "Kyūkyū desu" (救急です = "medical emergency"), then your address and what's wrong. English help is available on 119 in many areas — say "English, please" (eigo de onegaishimasu). Not sure if it's a true emergency? Call #7119 (where available) and a nurse will advise. For a child after hours, call #8000. If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or seriously hurt — call 119 now, don't wait.

Disclaimer: General information, not medical advice. In a life-threatening emergency, call 119 immediately. Numbers and coverage can vary by area — confirm local services in advance.

The emergency numbers (memorize these)

119 — ambulance & fire. Free, any nationality. For serious illness or injury. (Same number as the fire brigade.)
#7119 — emergency advice line. Unsure whether to go to the ER? A nurse/doctor tells you to call 119, go to a clinic, or wait. Available in many—not yet all—areas (around two-thirds of the population), so check your prefecture.
#8000 — after-hours children's medical advice.
110 — police (for crime/accidents; for injuries you still call 119 for the ambulance).

How to call 119 (step by step)

Dial 119. The operator answers "Kaji desu ka? Kyūkyū desu ka?" (Fire or ambulance?).
Say "Kyūkyū desu" (medical emergency). For English, say "eigo de onegaishimasu" — many areas connect a three-way interpreter (119 supports multiple languages).
Give your exact address: building name, floor, room, and a nearby landmark or intersection. This is the most important part — they need to find you.
Describe the situation simply: what happened, is the person conscious? breathing?, the main symptom and where, and the person's rough age.
Stay on the line, unlock the door, and if you can, send someone to flag down the ambulance outside.

Tip: keep your home address written in Japanese by the door or in your phone — it saves critical seconds.

Is it an emergency? When to call 119

Call 119 without hesitation for: loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of stroke (face drooping, weakness, slurred speech), severe bleeding, severe burns, a seizure, or a serious accident. When in doubt and you can't reach #7119, call 119 — they would rather you call.

For milder issues (a fever you can manage, a minor cut), use #7119 or a regular clinic instead — see the doctor-finding guide.

At the hospital (ER / kyūkyū-gairai)

The ambulance takes you to a hospital that can treat you (you don't always get to choose).
Bring (or have someone bring) your health insurance card so you pay the 30% co-pay, plus your residence card and a payment method.
A translation app or interpreter helps a lot if staff don't speak English (see the translation-apps guide).
The ambulance ride is free, but the hospital treatment is billed (covered at 30% with insurance).

FAQ

1. Is the ambulance free in Japan? Yes — calling 119 and the ambulance ride are free, for anyone. Hospital treatment is billed (30% with insurance).

2. Can I get English on 119? In many areas, yes — say "eigo de onegaishimasu" and they connect an interpreter. Coverage is wide but not universal.

3. What's #7119 for? It's an advice line for when you're unsure whether to call an ambulance. A nurse helps you decide. Available across much of Japan.

4. My child is sick at night — what do I call? #8000 gives after-hours pediatric advice. For a true emergency, call 119.

5. What should I have ready? Your address written in Japanese, your insurance and residence cards, a list of medications/allergies, and a translation app.