Emergency Help in the United States: Calling 911 and Poison Help
In an immediate emergency, call 911. Knowing your address and how to describe what is happening helps the call-taker send the right responders. For questions about possible poisoning, the national Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. Save these numbers before you need them.
1. Give the location, then follow instructions
The National 911 Program says callers should be ready to give the emergency’s location, including an apartment or room number, their phone number, the type of emergency, and details such as injuries or symptoms. Do not hang up until instructed. If you dial 911 by mistake, stay on the line and explain what happened. Use your local agency’s non-emergency number for non-emergency questions; do not call 911 simply to obtain that number.
Official sources: https://www.911.gov/calling-911/frequently-asked-questions
2. Call if you can; text if you cannot
The National 911 Program says a voice call is best when possible, and text-to-911 is not available everywhere. If text service is unavailable, you should receive a message saying it was not delivered. Do not assume that a text, photograph or messaging app will reach emergency services. A mobile phone without an active plan can call 911, but the call center does not receive its location and cannot call that phone back; giving your location is especially important.
Official sources: https://www.911.gov/calling-911/frequently-asked-questions
3. Language access: check your local system
New York City provides a useful local example, not a nationwide promise: NYPD says 911 calls can be connected to a translator when language help is needed. Its guidance also says people can report a crime and receive police assistance regardless of immigration status. NYC’s text-to-911 page, however, lists English and Spanish service in the five boroughs. If you need language help, tell the call-taker the language you speak. Check your own city or county’s official guidance before an emergency rather than assuming NYC’s text or language arrangements apply elsewhere.
Official sources: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/how-to-report-a-crime.page · https://www.nyc.gov/site/text911/index.page
4. Poison Help: free advice around the clock
The Health Resources and Services Administration says 1-800-222-1222 connects callers to a local poison center for free, confidential help, 24 hours a day, every day, with interpretation in 161 languages. You may call with a question even when it is not an emergency. If possible, have the product container ready and explain the person’s age, the substance, how and when exposure happened, and any symptoms or first aid already given. Follow the poison expert’s instructions; HRSA says not to give anything by mouth after medicine has been swallowed until speaking with an expert. Do not use this advice as a reason to delay 911 in an immediate emergency.
Official sources: https://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/faq/calling-poison-help
Sources last reviewed: October 28, 2026. Local rules vary; check the official agency for your circumstances.
