Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
Children as young as three or four have saved lives by calling for help. Teaching them takes ten minutes and a bit of practice.
- Teach the number for your country and that it's only for real emergencies: someone is hurt and can't wake up, a fire, a stranger trying to get in, someone very sick.
- Show how to call from a locked phone using the emergency-call button.
- Teach their full address — or tape it near the phone and in their school bag.
- Practise what to say: name, address, what happened. Then stay on the line and do what the dispatcher says.
- Role play with a toy or switched-off phone. Never practise by actually dialling.
- Explain that the dispatcher is a helper and they won't be in trouble for calling.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction