Studying In Canada: Your Essential Guide To Emergency Phone Numbers And Useful Hotlines

Studying in Canada can be quite an adventure! From exploring breathtaking landscapes to making new friends in the city, the last thing on your mind is for an unexpected event to derail your experience.

There will always be unforeseen circumstances that could ruin everyday living if you are not prepared. This could include an incident of crime, medical emergency or the very common traffic accident.

You’ll want to prepare yourself and have a resource to help you get help and contact the right authorities to assist you.

Get Prepared & Save These Emergency Numbers

When an emergency arises, be it big or small, you need to keep calm and take action. In this article, we will be covering six of the most essential scenarios you need to be aware of and prepare for.

As long as you take the necessary steps swiftly, there is nothing to worry about!

6 Scenarios When Studying In Canada To Be Prepared For (And The Hotlines)

1. Encountering A Robbery, Burglary, Or Crime

Sometimes, you could be the unfortunate victim of a crime. If that happens, you must remain calm and take immediate action with the utmost consideration for your safety.

If a crime is in progress and there’s an immediate risk to someone’s safety, life or property, immediately call ‘911’ directly.

Let the operator or the police officer on the line know your location, your name and contact details and what is happening on the scene. Be sure to remain calm and speak clearly, providing as much information as possible.

However, for non-emergencies, you will need to look for the respective hotlines to make a police report.

For Toronto, the number is ‘416-808-2222’, for Ottawa it is ‘613-236-1222’, while for Ontario, the number is ‘1 888 310-1122’.

For Emergencies: Dial ‘911’

2. Witnessing Or Encountering A Fire

If you are witnessing a fire in progress or if it's happening to you, you want to immediately dial ‘911’ and ask for the fire department.

You must stay calm and exit the premises where the fire is to safeguard yourself against any potential smoke inhalation. Once you are outside, it is important to head to a clear and open space and immediately call the fire department.

During the call, it is important to let the operator know the location and severity of the fire for timely help to be sent.

Once the fire incident is covered, you’d want to contact your insurer if you are covered to handle any potential damages.

For Urgent & Emergencies: Dial ‘911’

3. Having A Traffic Accident

Whether you are driving around town, heading to school or taking a trip across provinces, you might encounter a traffic accident. Definitely not ideal, but there’s nothing to panic about.

If this is a serious traffic accident where there are people injured or you are wounded, you’d want to call ‘911’ directly to request help from both the police and paramedics.

However, in many jurisdictions such as Ontario, you will have to call the police if the damage to vehicles exceeds CAD $2,000 or if there are injuries or the collision involves a pedestrian.

To help you get on your way, you can call Roadside Assistance at ‘1-888-727-7478’ for any towing service to salvage your vehicle or help get it operational again.

For Urgent & Emergencies: Dial ‘911’

For Breakdowns: Dial ‘1-888-727-7478’

4. Medical Emergency

Sometimes, you might get yourself into a situation that requires an immediate medical emergency. Whether you are at home or on campus, you need to know what to do.

The default number to call is ‘911’ where you will be transferred to an operator. During the call, you want to ask for an ambulance and relay your condition to them.

Be sure to tell the dispatcher of your condition, current location and name. It is important to follow instructions and let any paramedics know of any existing conditions, medications, or drug allergies you might have to ensure you get the right and safest treatment possible.

​​For Urgent & Emergency: Dial ‘999’

5. Mental Health Breakdown

If you are feeling down or depressed for an extended period of time, you mustn’t ignore it. Don’t ignore the warning signs and immediately go get help. It is important to keep your mood up and get a listening ear, especially when you are so far away from home.

Do not hesitate. Canada has a wealth of mental health resources that you can tap on.

Here are some essential hotlines you might want to take down that will help provide support and encouragement to help you get back on track.

Talk Suicide Canada helps with suicide prevention: 1-833-456-4566

Kids Help Phone helps young adults up to age 29 with trained responders with your situation: 1-800-668-6868

I-Anon helps individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse: (888) 425 2666

6. Immediate Health Advice Hotline

Sometimes you just don’t know what is wrong with you even though there are various symptoms popping up. Worry not, in Canada, there are various hotlines you can call such as Alberta’s & British Columbia’s HealthLink by calling ‘811’.

You will be able to find health information and services across a spectrum of health professionals on standby. These include registered nurses, dietitians and pharmacists. They will be able to provide you with advice and give a clearer insight into your health concerns and the subsequent steps to take.

This could include medicating your condition at home, heading immediately to the emergency room or making a trip to your local doctor. Be sure to provide the nurses or professionals with your exact conditions and questions and be frank when answering their questions.

The Canadian HealthLink Hotline: Dial ‘811’.

For Toronto residents, you can visit the online Public Health eChat here.

Beyond An Emergency, IDP Is Here To Help

While the above numbers can help you in an emergency, sometimes, you need more help pertaining to student matters and living in your study destination.

In that case, we can help!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey. This includes recommendations for accommodations, helping you identify the right scholarships and advice on further post-graduate courses as well.

No worries about the course application process, we can help guide you through every step of the way.

Get started with your free counselling session today.