Canadian Emergency Services Guide for Newcomers: 911,

Emergency Services in Canada: What You Need to Know

When you're new to Canada, knowing how to access emergency services can literally save your life or the life of a family member. Canada's emergency services system is well-organized and responsive, but it works differently from many other countries. Understanding when and how to use each service ensures you get the right help at the right time.

911: Canada's Emergency Number

Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency. This single number connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services across all of Canada.

When to Call 911

• Someone is having a heart attack, stroke, severe allergic reaction, or difficulty breathing
• There is a fire
• Someone is seriously injured (car accident, fall, workplace injury)
• A crime is in progress (break-in, assault, robbery)
• Someone is unconscious or unresponsive
• A child is in immediate danger
• There is a gas leak or chemical spill
• You witness a serious car accident

What Happens When You Call 911

1. A dispatcher answers and asks "Police, fire, or ambulance?" Tell them which service you need.
2. Stay calm and speak clearly. Give your location first — this is the most important information.
3. Answer the dispatcher's questions. They'll ask about the nature of the emergency and may give you instructions (like how to perform CPR).
4. Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.
5. If you can't speak English or French, say "I need [your language]." 911 centres have access to translation services.

Important 911 Facts

• 911 is free. There is never a charge for calling 911.
• You can call from any phone, including cell phones without an active plan and payphones.
• Text 911: Available in some areas for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. Register your phone first.
• Don't call 911 for non-emergencies. Misuse of 911 can delay response to real emergencies and may result in fines.

Non-Emergency Numbers

Police Non-Emergency

For police matters that aren't emergencies (noise complaints, minor property theft already happened, reporting suspicious activity), call your local police non-emergency number. In most cities, this is a 10-digit local number — search "[your city] police non-emergency number."

811: Health Information

Call 811 for non-emergency health advice. A registered nurse will help you determine whether you need to go to the emergency room, see a doctor, or manage the situation at home. Available 24/7 in most provinces. Multilingual support available.

Call 811 when:

• You're unsure if a health issue is an emergency
• You need advice on managing a health concern at home
• You need help finding a doctor or clinic
• You have questions about medications

211: Community and Social Services

Call or text 211 for information about community and social services. This includes housing, food banks, mental health support, newcomer services, disability services, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas. Multilingual support available.

988: Suicide Crisis Helpline

Call or text 988 for suicide crisis support. Available 24/7 in English and French. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Hospital Emergency Rooms

Canadian hospital emergency rooms (ERs) are open 24/7 and will treat anyone regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.

When to Go to the ER

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding that won't stop
• Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Severe allergic reaction
• Broken bones or serious injuries
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Drug overdose or poisoning

What to Expect at the ER

1. Triage: A nurse assesses your condition and assigns a priority level. Life-threatening conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
2. Wait times: ER wait times in Canada can be long for non-life-threatening conditions — sometimes 4–12+ hours. This is because patients are seen by severity, not arrival time.
3. Bring your health card. If you have provincial health insurance, bring your card. If you don't, you'll still be treated but may receive a bill.
4. Bring your medications. Or a list of medications you're taking.
5. Ask for interpretation. Hospitals have access to interpretation services if you need them.

Alternatives to the ER

For non-emergency health issues, consider:

• Walk-in clinics: For minor illnesses and injuries. Much shorter wait times. See our walk-in clinic guide.
• Urgent care centres: Available in some cities for conditions that need attention within hours but aren't life-threatening.
• Virtual care: Many provinces offer virtual doctor visits through apps and websites.
• Pharmacists: Can advise on minor conditions and some provinces allow pharmacists to prescribe certain medications.

Fire Safety

Fire safety rules and expectations in Canada:

• Smoke detectors: Required by law in every home and apartment. Never remove or disable them. Replace batteries when they chirp.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
• Fire extinguisher: Recommended in every home, especially the kitchen.
• Fire escape plan: Know two exits from every room. Practice fire drills with your family.
• Apartment fire: If the fire alarm sounds, leave immediately. Use stairs (never elevators). Close doors behind you. Meet at the designated assembly point outside.
• If your clothes catch fire: Stop, drop, and roll.

Poison Control

If someone has ingested something potentially poisonous:

• Call your provincial Poison Control Centre (available 24/7)
• Ontario: 1-800-268-9017
• BC: 1-800-567-8911
• Quebec: 1-800-463-5060
• Alberta: 1-800-332-1414
• Atlantic: 1-800-565-8161

Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies

Depending on where you live in Canada, be prepared for:

• Winter storms and blizzards: Keep an emergency kit at home and in your car. Stay home during severe storms.
• Flooding: Common in spring (snowmelt) and during heavy rains. Know your area's flood risk.
• Wildfires: Increasingly common in western Canada and northern regions. Follow evacuation orders immediately.
• Tornadoes: Rare but possible in central and southern Canada (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan). Seek shelter in a basement or interior room away from windows.
• Earthquakes: BC is in an earthquake zone. Practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."

Keep an emergency kit at home with: water (4L per person per day for 72 hours), non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, important documents, medications, cash, phone charger, and warm clothing.

Your Home Emergency Kit

The Canadian government recommends every household have an emergency preparedness kit with supplies for 72 hours:

• Water: 4 litres per person per day
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust masks
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
• Cell phone with charger and backup battery
• Extra cash in small bills
• Prescription medications

Tips for Newcomers

1. Save emergency numbers in your phone. 911, 811, 211, 988, Poison Control, your local police non-emergency, and your family doctor.
2. Teach your children about 911. Children as young as 3–4 can learn to call 911 in an emergency.
3. Know your address. In an emergency, you need to give your exact address. If you just moved, memorize your new address immediately.
4. Don't be afraid to call 911. If you're unsure whether something is an emergency, call. The dispatcher will help you determine the appropriate response.
5. Get a first aid kit. Available at any pharmacy for $20–$50. Consider taking a first aid/CPR course (offered through Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, etc.).

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to access emergency services gives you peace of mind and can save lives. Take a few minutes to save important numbers, prepare an emergency kit, and understand how each service works. When an emergency happens, you'll be glad you prepared.

For more health and settlement guides, see our articles on health insurance, walk-in clinics, and first weeks in Canada.

Navigating Non-Emergency Medical Care in Canada