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Portuguese Phrase

Alguém está tendo uma emergência médica?

/aˈɡẽj̃ ˈes.tɐ ˈtẽ.du ˈu.ma e.meɾˈʒẽ.sjɐ ˈme.di.ka/
Meaning"Is someone having a medical emergency?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether someone is currently experiencing a medical emergency. It is a direct, urgent question used when you need to know if immediate medical assistance is required.

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When to use

Use this phrase in urgent situations: at a public place when you notice someone collapsing, on the phone with emergency services, or when checking on a patient in a hospital. It is polite yet conveys the seriousness of the moment.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Alguémestátendoumaemergênciamédica

1

Alguém

Indefinite pronoun meaning 'someone' or 'anyone'.

2

Estar + gerúndio

The construction 'estar' + gerund expresses an action that is happening right now, similar to the English present progressive.

3

Ter + gerúndio (tendo)

Although 'ter' usually means 'to have', in the progressive form 'está tendo' it conveys 'is experiencing' or 'is undergoing'.

4

Emergência médica

A noun phrase where 'emergência' (emergency) is modified by the adjective 'médica' (medical).

🗨In Conversation

A

Alguém está tendo uma emergência médica?

Is someone having a medical emergency?

Sim, precisamos chamar a ambulância agora.

Yes, we need to call an ambulance right now.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Alguém **é** tendo uma emergência médica?

    Use 'estar' for temporary states; 'ser' would imply a permanent condition.

  • Alguém está **tenho** uma emergência médica?

    The gerund of 'ter' is 'tendo', not 'tenho' (which is present indicative).

  • Alguém está tendo uma **emergencia** médica?

    The word 'emergência' requires an acute accent on the first 'e'.

↔Alternatives

  • Alguém está passando por uma emergência médica?

    Is someone going through a medical emergency?

  • Tem alguém com emergência médica?

    Is there anyone with a medical emergency?

  • Alguém precisa de socorro médico?

    Does anyone need medical help?

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, when you suspect a medical emergency you can also shout 'Socorro!' or call the national emergency number (192) and say 'Preciso de uma ambulância!'. The phrase above is useful when you want to confirm the situation before taking action, especially in more formal or calm settings such as a hospital reception or when speaking to a colleague.