First Aid and Emergency Calls in France
Call the right number, follow the dispatcher's instructions, and help someone who has collapsed, cut or burned themselves.
In France dial 15 for the SAMU (medical emergencies), 18 for the pompiers (fire brigade, who also attend most falls and accidents) or 112 from any phone; 114 takes text messages from people who can't speak. Defibrillators (DAE) are now required in many public places, and the recovery position is known as « la PLS ». Many people learn the basics on a one-day PSC1 first-aid course, and at night or on Sundays you look for the pharmacie de garde.
- 1
Appelez le 15 !
Call an ambulance!
Tip: Use the medical emergency number.
- 2
Ça va ? Vous m'entendez ?
Are you OK? Can you hear me?
- 3
Il ne respire plus.
He's stopped breathing.
- 4
Il y a un défibrillateur près d'ici ?
Is there a defibrillator near here?
- 5
Je sais faire un massage cardiaque.
I know how to do CPR.
- 6
Mettez-le en PLS.
Put him in the recovery position.
- 7
Ne le bougez pas.
Don't move him.
- 8
Elle saigne beaucoup.
She's bleeding a lot.
- 9
Appuyez fort sur la plaie.
Press hard on the wound.
- 10
Je crois que c'est cassé.
I think it's broken.
- 11
Il a fait un malaise.
He's collapsed.
- 12
Je me suis brûlé la main.
I've burned my hand.
- 13
Passez la brûlure sous l'eau pendant un quart d'heure.
Run the burn under water for a quarter of an hour.
- 14
Vous avez une trousse de secours ?
Do you have a first-aid kit?
- 15
Il est allergique, il a un stylo d'adrénaline.
He's allergic, he has an adrenaline pen.
- 16
Restez avec moi, les secours arrivent.
Stay with me, help is coming.
- 17
Où est-ce que vous avez mal ?
Where does it hurt?
- 18
J'ai fait une formation aux premiers secours.
I did a first-aid course.
- 19
Couvrez-le pour qu'il n'ait pas froid.
Cover him so he doesn't get cold.
- 20
Où est la pharmacie de garde ?
Where's the duty pharmacy?