Healthcare English 6 — Emergency Vocabulary AE

The words you need to act fast and communicate clearly in an emergency — when seconds matter, hesitation is not an option.

Vocabulary in context

Emergencies in care settings are rare but always possible, and the language of emergency response needs to be instant and clear. Whether you're calling 911 or 999, triggering an evacuation, responding to a fall, or starting CPR, the right vocabulary ensures you can communicate under pressure and work effectively with the emergency services.

Ready to practice! Let's go!

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the list:

AED
bystander
cardiac arrest
choking
CPR
first responder
muster point
seizure
unconscious
unresponsive

1. If a resident is , check for a response first by tapping their shoulders and calling their name.

2. Begin immediately if the resident has no pulse and is not breathing.

3. The is located near the nurse's station — any staff member can use it with the voice prompts.

4. The resident is — she is awake but cannot speak or cough effectively.

5. During a fire drill, all staff and residents must gather at the .

6. A is a medical emergency — do not restrain the person; protect their head and time the episode.

7. The resident is — she has no pulse and is not breathing. Call 911 immediately.

8. Paramedics are the team — keep the area clear and be ready to give them a full handover.

9. A means the heart has stopped — start CPR and send someone to get the AED.

10. Even if you are not medically trained, a witness can make a vital difference by calling for help and staying with the patient.