How do you call an ambulance in Japan? Learn the correct way to use one

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

When I get injured or feel unwell, I go to the hospital.
However, if your symptoms are too severe to go to the hospital yourself, or if someone collapses nearby, you should call an ambulance.

Injuries and illnesses can happen at any time.
It's reassuring to know how to call an ambulance in advance.

This article explains how to call an ambulance and the criteria for deciding whether or not to call one.
Please use this as a reference.

How do I call an ambulance?

We will show you how to call an ambulance.

1. Call the phone number "119"
2. If asked "Is it a fire or an emergency?", answer "It's an emergency."
3. Tell the ambulance where you want them to come (address)
4. Describe the symptoms of someone who is feeling unwell.
5. Tell us the age and gender of the person who is feeling unwell.
6. Tell them the "name" and "contact information (phone number)" of the person making the call.

【advice】
If you have difficulty making a phone call or speaking yourself, ask someone around you to call an ambulance.

When describing your symptoms, it will be helpful to include the following information:

• When did the symptoms start?
• Where in the body are the symptoms located?
• How are you feeling unwell?

Knowing how to describe pain in Japanese will make it easier to communicate your symptoms.
This article discusses how pain is expressed.
Learn how to express pain in Japanese! Also, learn how to effectively communicate your pain.

What to do after the ambulance arrives

When the ambulance arrives, please tell them about any changes in your symptoms from the time you called until the ambulance arrived.
When there is a change, explain "how it has changed."
If there was no change, I would say, "There was no change."

If first aid was administered, please describe what kind of first aid was performed.
Please speak calmly, slowly, and clearly.

Having a translation app on your smartphone can be helpful for communicating symptoms and other information.
It's also a good idea to have a memo prepared listing any past illnesses, surgeries, and allergy information.

Things you should know when using an ambulance in Japan

If the person who becomes ill is a foreigner, paramedics or the hospital may ask the following questions:

• nationality
• Are they foreign residents or tourists?
• Period of stay in Japan
• religion

It's reassuring to be prepared to answer questions in case you or a family member becomes ill.
If the person who is feeling unwell is someone you don't know, it's perfectly acceptable to answer "I don't know."

Why are people asking about my religion?
This is because some people refuse to be examined or receive blood transfusions from doctors of the opposite sex for religious reasons.
In emergency situations requiring transport by ambulance, it may be difficult to find a doctor of the same sex, or a blood transfusion may be necessary.

When should you call an ambulance? Learn how to use it correctly.

If you're unsure whether you should go to the hospital yourself or call an ambulance, please refer to the following.

What symptoms warrant calling an ambulance immediately?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.

• When you suddenly get a severe headache
• When you suddenly become short of breath
• When you can't breathe
• When unconscious, etc.

*Reference: Fire and Disaster Management Agency "Ambulance Usage Guide"
Ambulance User Guide
*For information in foreign languages: Fire and Disaster Management Agency "Ambulance Use Guide for Foreign Visitors to Japan"
Ambulance Usage Guide for Foreign Visitors to Japan

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 119 immediately.

Ambulances are free to use.
*In some areas, there may be a charge if the patient is determined to have a minor injury after being transported by ambulance.

What should you do if you're unsure whether you should call an ambulance?

If you're unsure whether you should call an ambulance, consider the following methods to help you decide.

• Call "#7119" for advice
• Use "Tokyo EMS Guide"
• Talk to someone close to you
• Use JAC's "Medical Interpretation Support"

Call "#7119" for advice

While the service area is limited, calling "#7119" will connect you with medical professionals such as doctors and nurses who can provide advice.
They will listen to your symptoms and tell you whether you should call an ambulance immediately or go to the hospital yourself.
It also plays a role in telling you which hospital is nearby if you don't know where to go.

Please check the following website of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for information on the service area.
#7119 Implementation Area

However, the number "#7119" may vary depending on your area of residence.
Make sure to check which number to call in your area.

In addition, the languages available for calls to "#7119" vary depending on the region.
Please note that some services are only available in Japanese.

Use "Tokyo EMS Guide"

If you have difficulty using "#7119", please refer to the support site for foreigners, "Tokyo EMS Guide".
Tokyo EMS Guide

By answering the questions displayed on the screen, you will receive advice on whether or not you need to call an ambulance.

Talk to someone close to you

Tell a Japanese staff member at your company, your supervisor, or someone nearby that you're not feeling well and need help, and ask for their advice on how to proceed.

[For Specified Skilled Workers] Use JAC's 'Medical Interpreter Support'

Feeling unwell in unfamiliar places can be unsettling.
At JAC, we offer 'Medical Interpretation Support' so Specified Skilled Worker (i) can receive medical interpretation and assistance with medical visits.

JAC's medical interpretation support is available for consultations in multiple languages.
You can consult with us 24 hours a day.

Specifically, you can receive the following support:

• Find a nearby hospital that suits your symptoms.
• Please make a hospital appointment.
• I need someone to interpret when I talk to a doctor at the hospital.

If you are feeling unwell, please feel free to use this support service.

Details about our medical interpretation support services are available on the following page.
Medical interpretation support

When you should not call an ambulance

Ambulances are for people who are seriously ill or injured.
You should not call an ambulance for the following reasons or situations:

• "Because I want to shorten the waiting time at the hospital."
• "Because I don't have money for a taxi to go to the hospital."
• In the case of "mild symptoms"

If you can walk and talk on your own, you don't need an ambulance.
If many people with mild symptoms use ambulances, it can cause delays in ambulances reaching those whose lives are truly in danger.

It's reassuring to know how to visit a hospital in Japan, in case you need to go to one on your own.
Please also read this article.
How do you go to a hospital in Japan? We'll also introduce some commonly used phrases at hospitals!

What should I prepare before the ambulance arrives?

If you or a family member is injured or unwell, prepare the following items, if possible, before the ambulance arrives.

• My Number Card as your Health Insurance Certificate, or a certificate of qualification
• Passport and residence card
• A medication record book containing information about the medications you normally take.
• Cash, credit cards, debit cards
• Smartphone translation app
• (For children) Maternal and child health handbook, diapers, baby bottles

Foreign nationals may be asked to present their passport for identity verification.
Try to carry it with you as much as possible.

However, physical activity may worsen the symptoms.
If you are unable to move, do not force yourself to get ready; rest and wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Summary: When calling an ambulance, dial "119"! If you're unsure, ask for advice.

If you suffer a serious illness or injury that could be life-threatening, do not hesitate to call "119" for an ambulance.
Call "119" and tell them about your symptoms and where you want an ambulance to come.
If you're unsure whether it's appropriate to call an ambulance, please use services like "#7119" or "Tokyo EMS Guide."
It's also a good idea to consult with Japanese people nearby or Japanese staff at your company.
If you are Specified Skilled Worker (i), you can also use JAC's medical interpretation support.

You should not call an ambulance if your symptoms are mild and you can get to the hospital yourself.
Furthermore, ambulances should not be used as a means of transportation.

Preparing your My Number Card as your Health Insurance Certificate, residence card, or passport before the ambulance arrives will make things smoother.

Make sure you understand how to use an ambulance in Japan correctly and prepare yourself to act calmly.