Chest Pain? Trouble Breathing? Severe Bleeding?

There's really only one thing you need to learn. Say "I need a Hindi interpreter" and use whatever language you speak, like Gujarati, Punjabi, or Tamil. The 911 operator will get a free interpreter on the line and translate for you, so you never have to explain the emergency in English.¹

If you call from a U.S. cell or landline, 911 can usually see where you are, and newer phones even send GPS. But an international phone often only points them to the nearest cell tower, and internet or Wi-Fi calling apps may not show anything at all. So say your address, or the closest cross street or landmark, the moment they pick up.²

Every 911 center in King County can take a text. Put 911 in the "To" field, and in your first message say where you are and what you need, police, fire, or medical. It's there for when you can't safely talk. Texting only works in English, though, so call instead whenever you can.⁹

You don't have to be at home. On a bus or train, in a shop, or walking down the street, you can still call 911. Just tell them where you are. If you're on transit, they can send station or transit security too, and it won't cost you anything.

If you think someone's life or safety could be at risk, don't wait until you're certain. It's always okay to call and find out. 911 is free, open around the clock, and works even on a locked phone. Stay on the line until they tell you it's fine to hang up.

A 911 call never costs anything. It goes through even if your phone is out of minutes, the plan is shut off, or it's a phone from another country, as long as it can find a signal. Don't ever skip calling because you're worried about a bill.³

Don't let the name stop you. Around 8 out of 10 calls the fire department runs aren't fires at all, they're medical. Helping with a heart attack, a bad fall, or trouble breathing is what they do all day long.⁸

State law here, the Keep Washington Working Act, stops state and local agencies from asking your immigration status or handing your information to federal immigration authorities. Calling 911 for help gets you a medic, not questions about your papers.¹⁰

When firefighters or paramedics show up and help you, you're not charged for the visit or the care they give you on the spot. If they check you over and you both agree you don't need the hospital, there's usually no bill at all.⁴

The Medic One paramedics who handle the serious calls, like heart attacks and strokes, are paid for by a King County levy that voters approved. Their care and the ride to the hospital don't cost you a thing.^4, 5

If a basic (BLS) crew comes to check on you and you turn out fine, and they don't take you in, you pay nothing. You only get billed if you actually need the ride. In Seattle that runs about $950 plus $15 a mile, sent to your insurance, and it's similar in nearby King County cities. So the check is free. It's the transport you pay for.⁴

A medical helicopter can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. AirLift Northwest has a membership that's $85 a year and covers your whole household, including your spouse or partner and your kids. If any of you ever gets flown, they bill your insurance and the membership covers the rest, so there's no surprise bill. It's especially worth it if you live somewhere an ambulance can't reach easily.⁶