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Portuguese for Emergencies

Emergency Numbers in Brazil: Portuguese Phrases to Get Help

Save the correct service number and practise saying what happened, where you are, and what help is needed in Brazilian Portuguese.

Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026

The short answer

Brazil's national emergency codes include 190 for Military Police, 191 for Federal Highway Police, 192 for SAMU medical emergencies, 193 for Fire Department, and 199 for Civil Defense. Choose the service that matches the situation; local procedures and availability can vary.

Know which emergency service to contact

Use emergency lines only when the situation needs urgent help. For the latest official information, check Anatel or the relevant local authority. This language guide helps you communicate; it is not medical, legal, or emergency-response advice.

Preciso de ajuda médica urgente.

I need urgent medical help.

Há um incêndio neste prédio.

There is a fire in this building.

Say the location before giving a long explanation

A dispatcher needs to know where help is needed. State the city, street, number, neighborhood, and a recognizable landmark when you know them. If you do not know the exact address, say what you can see.

Speak in short chunks. Pause after the location so the person can confirm it before you add more details.

Estou na Rua das Flores, número 25, perto da estação.

I am at 25 Rua das Flores, near the station.

Não sei o endereço. Estou em frente ao mercado azul.

I don't know the address. I am in front of the blue market.

Give the essential facts clearly

Explain what happened and what kind of service you need. If someone is involved, say how many people are affected and answer the dispatcher as clearly as you can. Do not guess when you are unsure; say that you do not know.

If Portuguese is difficult under pressure, say that you are a foreigner and ask the other person to speak slowly. You can also show your written address or location on your phone.

Houve um acidente. Há duas pessoas envolvidas.

There has been an accident. Two people are involved.

Sou estrangeiro. Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?

I am a foreigner. Could you speak more slowly, please?

Put it into practice

Remember the service number, then communicate the location, what happened, and what help is needed. Verify emergency details with current official sources.

Quick practice

Which Portuguese example matches “There is a fire in this building”?

Choose an answer to check yourself.

Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app

Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.