Page 102 - BACKUP ENGLISH | PREPARATORY CLASS

THEME 8 EMERGENCY AND HEALTH PROBLEMS

Culture Corner

SOME FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

9-1-1 :
The emergency number in the United States and Canada is 9-1-1. It was first developed in 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, as a
way to give a national emergency number. It is now the most commonly known emergency number in the world.

1-1-2 :
The emergency number in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy, is 1-1-2.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) developed this number to provide a uniform emergency contact number
throughout Europe.

1-1-2 vs. 9-1-1 :
Although both 1-1-2 and 9-1-1 are commonly used emergency numbers, there are important differences. While 9-1-1 is most
commonly used in North America, 1-1-2 is used in many countries throughout the world. Furthermore, 1-1-2 can be dialled
from a mobile phone that is locked or out of service, whereas 9-1-1 requires an active mobile network connection.
Different Emergency Phone Numbers :
Emergency phone numbers differ from country to country. In the United Kingdom, for example, dial 1-1-2 or 9-9-9 for
emergency assistance. The emergency number in Australia is 0-0-0. When travelling to other countries, it is necessary to
know the correct emergency number.
Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) :
It is a system used in several countries, including the United States and Canada, that provides emergency services with the
caller’s location information when they dial 9-1-1 from a landline phone. This allows emergency personnel to immediately find
the caller.
Texting Emergency Services :
Some countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have developed text message capabilities for
people who are unable to speak or have hearing difficulties. During an emergency, they can use this service to send a text
message for assistance.

Non-Emergency lines :
Many countries have designated non-emergency lines in addition to emergency numbers for circumstances that do not
require immediate assistance. These non-emergency calls are intended to report non-life-threatening events, get advice, or
contact the police in non-urgent situations.
Remember that emergency phone numbers are vital for getting immediate help in life-threatening situations. It is critical to
become familiar with your country’s emergency number and understand how it operates in order to safeguard your safety
and the safety of others.

TONGUE TWISTER
Read the tongue twisters and practise saying them fast.

I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn’t

the thought I thought I thought. If the thought I thought I
thought had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have
thought so much.

I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish

the wish the witch wishes, I won’t wish the wish you wish
to wish.

100 English for Preparatory Class