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)

1. Dial 119. The operator answers "Kaji desu ka? Kyūkyū desu ka?" (Fire or ambulance?).
2. Say "Kyūkyū desu" (medical emergency). For English, say "eigo de onegaishimasu" — many areas connect a three-way interpreter (119 supports multiple languages).
3. 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.
4. Describe the situation simply: what happened, , the main symptom and where, and the person's .