Call an ambulance
Use this to state your own need directly, for example, when you are the one making the phone call. It means 'I need an ambulance.'
A very direct and slightly more polite way to shout for help in a public space. It means 'An ambulance, please!'
The informal command ('tú' form). Use this when speaking directly to one person you know, a friend, or someone younger than you.
Help! Call an ambulance, quick!
My dad fell. I need an ambulance.
There's an accident. Please, call an ambulance.
Ma'am, are you okay? Somebody call an ambulance!
The core phrase is understood everywhere. However, the emergency number varies. It's 911 in many Latin American countries (like Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica), 123 in Colombia, 107 in Argentina, and 112 in Spain and Chile.
While 'Llamen a una ambulancia' is understood, you might hear the 'vosotros' form: 'Llamad a una ambulancia'. The emergency number is 112.
The phrase is standard. People may also specify 'Llama a la Cruz Roja' (Call the Red Cross), as they are a primary provider of ambulance services. The emergency number is 911.
The phrase is standard. The local emergency medical service in Buenos Aires is called SAME, so you might hear 'Llamá al SAME'. The emergency number for ambulances is 107.
Saying 'Llamen una ambulancia' instead of 'Llamen a una ambulancia'. — In Spanish, the verb 'llamar' (to call) is almost always followed by the preposition 'a' when you are calling a person or a service for help. Think of 'llamar a' as a set phrase meaning 'to call upon'.
Using the noun 'teléfono' as a verb, like 'Teléfono una ambulancia'. — 'Teléfono' is a noun meaning 'telephone'. The verb for 'to call' is 'llamar'. Always use 'llamar' or 'llamen' (the command form).
Mispronouncing 'llamen' as 'LA-men'. — The double 'll' in Spanish typically makes a 'y' sound, like in the English word 'yes'. So, 'llamen' is pronounced 'YAH-men'.
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