How do I call an ambulance in China?

Dial 120; if you can't speak Chinese, ask a bystander to call and show your location on a map.

In cities it may take 10-20 min; for minor injuries a taxi to hospital can be quicker.

You had an accident and need an ambulance

Call 120, don't move the injured, give the location clearly, and keep them warm.

What you'll see

If someone is hurt, fast, clear action matters:

Injury · call 120

受伤 · 拨打 120

Situation level: L3 (scenario). This is an emergency situation, not an app error code.

Why it happens

Ambulances, 120, may take 10-20 minutes in cities; for minor injuries a taxi to hospital can be faster. Don't move a suspected spinal injury.

Fastest fix, free: Call 120, ask a bystander if you can't speak Chinese, keep the person still and warm.

Every case shows the diagnosis and the first step - free. The full step-by-step fix for this exact case, the decision tree, and the offline kit are $9.99.

Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Confidence: Multiple sources (pending first-hand verification)

When the fast fix isn't enough

In the kit

When minutes count, the kit gives the 120 wording and when a taxi is faster.

1. The lookup table

What to say so help arrives fast.

2. The trigger matrix

When to wait for 120 vs take a taxi.

3. Offline printable version

The call script as a printable card.

Get the offline kit — $9.99 Read the free guides first

What you are reading is free. The shut crate is the part you carry.

Ask it once, get one answer — not four things to read.

Three moves, in this order — panic is what makes it worse.

If nothing works

If 120 is delayed:

Flag down a taxi for minor injuries.
Ask bystanders to call and explain.
Go to the nearest hospital ER yourself.

Four levels deep — you are never down to a single option.

A local handing a phone to a traveller who needs help

One calm person who can speak for you changes everything.

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