No one plans for a crisis while on vacation, but being prepared is the best way to stay calm. Whether it’s a health issue, a lost passport, or a minor accident, this week, at The London Eye – English Consultant, we’ll give you the phrases that will help you get the assistance you need quickly and clearly.
- Medical Emergencies: At the Pharmacy or Doctor
When you aren’t feeling well, you need to describe your symptoms accurately.
● The Basics: «I need to see a doctor,» or «Where is the nearest A&E (UK) / ER (US)?»
● Describing Pain: «I have a sharp pain in my [chest/stomach/leg],» or «It’s a dull ache.»
● Allergies: «I’m allergic to penicillin/nuts/bees.»
● At the Pharmacy: «Do you have anything for a sore throat / upset stomach / hay fever?» - Loss and Theft: Dealing with the Authorities
If your belongings disappear, you need to act fast.
● Reporting Theft: «My bag has been stolen,» or «I’ve been mugged.» (Use stolen for objects and robbed/mugged for people).
● Lost Items: «I’ve lost my wallet/phone. Has anyone turned it in?»
● The Embassy: «I need to contact my embassy. My passport is missing.»
● Banking: «I need to cancel/freeze my credit cards immediately.» - Essential Vocabulary: Problem vs. Emergency
Knowing the «severity» of the word helps the person listening understand how fast they need to move.
Term Severity Context
I’m lost Low You can’t find your hotel.
It’s a breakdown Medium Your rental car stopped working.
I’m injured High You have been hurt in an accident.
It’s an emergency Critical Someone’s life is in danger. - Safety First: Asking for Help
If you feel unsafe or need immediate assistance in public:
● Attracting Attention: «Excuse me, I need help!» or in extreme cases, «Help! Call the police!»
● Finding a Safe Place: «Is there a police station nearby?» or «Can I wait here? I don’t feel safe.»
● The «Magic» Number: Remember that emergency numbers vary: 911 in the USA, 999 in the UK, and 112 in most of Europe. - Car Troubles
If you are on a road trip and the car gives up:
● The Problem: «I have a flat tire,» or «The engine is overheating.»
● The Request: «I need a tow truck (US) / recovery truck (UK).»
● Location: «I’m broken down on the [Name of Highway/Street].»
Your Action Step for this week: Hopefully, you’ll never need these, but let’s practice the «Loss» vocabulary. If you lost your bag at a museum, how would you describe it to the security guard?
Example: «Excuse me, I’ve lost my bag. It’s a small, black leather backpack. Has anyone found it?»
The London Eye - English Consultant 