Ask Someone to Call Emergency Services in Brazilian Portuguese
Short instructions, a service name, and a clear location can help you ask a nearby person for urgent help in Portuguese.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Start with com licença (excuse me) or por favor (please), then say what action you need. If you know which service applies, name it: SAMU, bombeiros, or polícia.
Get attention and name the service
You can state the service number too: 192 for SAMU, 193 for the Fire Department, or 190 for Military Police. Use the appropriate number for the emergency and follow official guidance.
Por favor, chame o SAMU pelo 192.
Please call SAMU at 192.
Pode chamar os bombeiros pelo 193?
Could you call the Fire Department at 193?
Point out the situation and location
If you are asking a specific person, use você and point to the place when it is safe to do so. Give a street, landmark, or building entrance so the person can communicate the location accurately.
If multiple people are around, address one person directly instead of shouting a vague request to the whole group.
Você, de camisa azul, pode ligar para a polícia?
You, in the blue shirt, could you call the police?
Estamos na entrada da estação, perto da bilheteria.
We are at the station entrance, near the ticket office.
Confirm that the call was made
Ask whether the person has called and whether they need information from you. If the dispatcher calls back or asks for details, be ready to speak or ask someone to interpret. Keep your request simple if you are under stress.
If the person cannot help, ask another bystander or use the emergency number directly when possible.
Você já conseguiu ligar?
Were you able to call?
Pode dizer que precisamos de ajuda na Rua A, número 10?
Could you say that we need help at 10 Rua A?
Put it into practice
A direct request names one person, one action, and the service needed.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Could you call the Fire Department at 193”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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