What number should I call for emergency medical assistance?

In Calgary (Alberta), the only official number for emergency medical services, fire department, and police is 9-1-1. The call is free from any mobile or landline phone, operates 24/7, and automatically connects you to a Calgary 9-1-1 operator. The system supports over 300 languages through a translation service and has a Text-with-911 text channel for people with hearing impairments.

1. How to call 9-1-1 correctly

  1. Dial 9-1-1 from a mobile or landline phone.
  2. Wait for the operator and clearly state:
  • what service you need (medical assistance/ambulance);
  • your address or exact landmarks (street, intersection, locator code).

  1. Describe what happened: “severe chest pain,” “person unconscious,” “heavy bleeding,” etc.

  2. Do not hang up until the operator tells you to. They will give you instructions (CPR, bleeding control) until the emergency services arrive.

  3. If you do not speak English, say the name of your language in English (e.g., “Ukrainian”), and a translator will be connected within a few seconds.

2. Who will respond to the call

  • EMS (Emergency Medical Services) — a division of Alberta Health Services with qualified paramedics.
  • A STARS medical helicopter may be called in for serious injuries or if the road is inaccessible.
  • The average response time for critical cases in Calgary is 8–10 minutes.

Cost

  • For AHCIP cardholders, ambulance transportation is free (except for inter-hospital transfers).
  • Patients without AHCIP pay approximately $250 CAD for the first kilometer + $20 CAD for every 10 km.

3. Where will the patient be taken

Patients are taken to the nearest Emergency Department (ED) with the necessary resources:

Hospital Specialization 24 hours
Foothills Medical Centre Regional trauma center, stroke, STEMI Yes
Peter Lougheed Centre Emergency surgery, obstetric emergencies Yes
Rockyview General Hospital Emergency surgery, ophthalmology Yes
Alberta Children’s Hospital Pediatric trauma and infections Yes

EDs operate on a CTAS scale: the most serious cases are treated first; others are treated in order of arrival.

4. If the condition is not life-threatening

  • Health Link 811 — free 24-hour nursing service for advice on symptoms and referral to Urgent Care or ambulance.
  • Urgent Care Centres (South Calgary, Sheldon M. Chumir) are open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and treat fractures, cuts, acute asthma, and infections.
  • Walk-in clinics — quick, no-appointment care for immediate, but not urgent, care.

5. Preparing for an emergency

  • Keep your AHCIP card and a list of medications in your wallet.
  • Find the addresses of the nearest ED, Urgent Care, and walk-in clinics.
  • Add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact to your phone.
  • Memorize the English name of your language for the interpreter.

6. Frequently asked questions

Should I call an ambulance if I'm not sure how serious it is? Yes. The dispatcher will determine the priority and advise you on what to do next.

Will they accept me without insurance? Yes, medical assistance will be provided. Without AHCIP, the bill can be significant (ED visit — from $875 CAD).

How long will I have to wait for an ambulance? The average arrival time is 8–10 minutes for critical cases.

Conclusion

For emergency medical assistance in Calgary, dial 9-1-1. The operator will quickly determine the type of service, provide instructions, and coordinate the arrival of EMS. For non-emergencies, use 811, Urgent Care, or walk-in clinics. Have your AHCIP card, medication list, and contacts ready to ensure you receive prompt and effective care.