When you're on the go, it can happen in the worst-case scenario that you find yourself in an uncomfortable or even life-threatening situation.
According to the European Commission, unfortunately, only a few people know where to turn in an emergency. Thus, only half know, for example, 112. Hand signals and code words are only useful to those who know them.
The language learning platform Preply has therefore compiled various verbal and non-verbal calls for help that are widespread in Germany and abroad.
Know Emergency Numbers
The most important Europe-wide and toll-free number is 112. According to the comparison portal Verivox, however, only about 70 percent of respondents know that this emergency number applies in all 27 member states.
The European emergency number works not only EU-wide but also in 16 other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. You can also dial 112 in Russia, Turkey, Norway, and Iceland. It even works in the USA, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Those who dial the number in Canada or the USA will be redirected to 911.
Before traveling to countries outside the EU, it's best to inform yourself ahead of time about the local emergency number, so you are prepared in an emergency. This is possible through the respective travel provider or the Federal Foreign Office.
Help Via Hand Signals
The so-called Signal-for-Help hand signal discreetly and wordlessly signals an emergency. The Canadian Woman's Foundation (a national non-profit organization that helps women and girls) launched the hand signal during the pandemic so that women can discreetly call for help via video chat.
The signal involves showing the palm of your hand to the viewer, with fingers straight and thumb tucked in. Then the remaining fingers close over the thumb to form a fist.
On social media, especially on TikTok, the hand signal spread under the hashtag #SignalforHelp and, thanks to its reach, has already saved a kidnapped 16-year-old in the USA from worse. The girl made the hand signal, and someone who recognized it called the police. In Germany, a 14-year-old used it last year to get help after being raped.
Code Words
'Mask 19', 'Angel Shot', 'Ask for Angela', and 'Is Luisa here?' are code words meant to help victims of sexual harassment, abuse, and domestic violence.
The 'Ask for Angela' safety initiative was introduced in bars and clubs in London in 2016 to discreetly help people in need.
The code word 'Angel Shot' originated in a bar in the USA in 2017 and has since become one of the most widespread.
'Luisa' is an aid offer for women in the party scene. It has already been adopted by numerous cities and hospitality businesses in Germany. Women who ask for Luisa in clubs and bars receive assistance thanks to the cooperation of women's emergency hotlines and counseling centers.
The action and the code 'Mask 19' were initiated by the 'Union Deutscher Zonta Clubs'. The word serves as an additional emergency aid, enabling staff in pharmacies, doctor's offices, or clinics to discreetly call the police as soon as customers mention the code word.
Through social networks, the codes have now spread worldwide. According to Preply, the hashtag #angelshot has 266.9 million, and thus the most views on TikTok. #SignalforHelp has 92 million, #askforangela 4 million, and #istuishere has 1.6 million views. #Maske19 has 133,200 views on TikTok.
Calling 'Help' in Different Languages
Besides usual courtesy phrases, 'Help' should definitely be a staple of your vacation vocabulary. Here are some emergency phrases in different languages:
- Country
- Language
- Call for help
- France
- French
- Au secours!
- Italy
- Italian
- Aiuto!
- United Kingdom
- English
- Help!
- Iceland
- Icelandic
- Hjálp!
- South Korea
- Korean
- Spain
- Spanish
- Turkey
- Turkish
- Imdat!
- Greece
- Greek
- Poland
- Polish
- Czech Republic
- Pomoc! (pronunciation: pomotz)
- Finland
- Finnish
- Apua!
- Lithuanian
- Padėkite!
- Danish
- Hjælp!
- China
- Mandarin
Help Through Phone Emergency Functions
It may sound trivial, but in a critical situation, you need to remember that simple tools on your phone can quickly call for help.
iPhones and Android smartphones offer useful emergency functions that can inform friends, family, and emergency services of your location with the press of a button.
You can also store emergency contacts that first responders can access without needing to unlock your phone. If you haven't done so yet, it's best to familiarize yourself with your mobile device and its emergency settings-just in case.
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