In Canada, 911 is the universal phone number for all
emergency services, including medical emergencies, across all cities and
provinces.
Here’s how it works and some additional information for
newcomers:
Key Points about Emergency Services in Canada
- Dial
911 for Medical Emergencies
- Use
this number for urgent medical issues requiring immediate attention
(e.g., chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury, or loss of
consciousness).
- The
operator will dispatch an ambulance and may provide instructions for
first aid while help is on the way.
- Language
Support
- 911
operators can connect you to interpreters for many languages, ensuring
you can communicate effectively.
- Non-Emergency
Health Assistance
- For
non-emergency medical advice, call provincial or territorial health information
lines:
- Ontario:
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
- British
Columbia: HealthLink BC: 811
- Alberta:
Health Link: 811
- Quebec:
Info-Santé: 811
- Nova
Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador: Call 811
- Manitoba:
Health Links: 1-888-315-9257
- What
to Do If You Cannot Speak English or French
- Stay
on the line. The operator will connect you to an interpreter.
- Emergency
Services in Rural or Remote Areas
- Dial
911 even in rural or remote areas. Operators will coordinate with
local services to reach you.
When to Call 911 for Medical Emergencies
- Difficulty
breathing or choking.
- Severe
bleeding that won’t stop.
- Chest
pain or suspected heart attack.
- Stroke
symptoms (e.g., sudden numbness, slurred speech).
- Seizures
or loss of consciousness.
- Severe
allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
- Major
trauma or accidents.
