Health and Public Services Vocabulary

🎯 Introduction

This illustrated guide presents essential vocabulary related to health, emergencies, and daily public services in English. Whether you're at the hospital, the dentist, calling the police, or checking into a hotel, the words in this guide will help you communicate clearly and effectively.

Each section is organized by theme and includes useful terms with clear definitions or translations to support your learning. Practice these words regularly and try to use them in real-life situations or conversations.

🤒 Illnesses & Symptoms

This section includes the most common words to talk about illnesses, pain, infections, or health conditions. They will help you explain how you feel during a medical visit or understand a diagnosis.

• illness – general state of being sick
• cold – a common virus with sneezing and a runny nose
• flu – a viral infection with fever, chills, and body aches
• fever – high body temperature
• cough – forcing air out of the lungs loudly
• sore throat – pain or irritation in the throat
• headache – pain in the head
• stomach ache – pain in the belly
• diarrhea – frequent, watery bowel movements
• nausea – feeling like you need to vomit
• vomiting – forcefully throwing up food or liquid
• fatigue – feeling very tired or weak
• dizziness – feeling unsteady or like the room is spinning
• pain – uncomfortable physical feeling
• infection – when germs cause illness in the body
• rash – red or itchy skin irritation
• allergy – a reaction to something like food or pollen
• asthma – breathing problem caused by swollen airways
• bronchitis – infection causing cough and mucus in lungs
• pneumonia – serious lung infection with cough and fever
• migraine – strong headache with nausea or light sensitivity
• high blood pressure – when blood moves through vessels too strongly
• diabetes – illness where the body can't control sugar levels
• sprain – stretched or torn ligament in a joint
• fracture – a broken bone
• infection – illness caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus
• wound – an open injury on the skin
• scar – mark left after a wound heals
• itching – uncomfortable feeling that makes you want to scratch
• swelling – enlarged area from fluid or inflammation
• burn – skin damage caused by heat or fire

👩‍⚕️ Medical Consultation

Here is the essential vocabulary to describe a doctor’s visit, ask questions, understand instructions, or clearly explain symptoms.

• appointment – a planned time to see the doctor
• medical consultation – a visit with a doctor for health advice
• doctor / general practitioner (GP) – a medical professional who treats general health issues
• nurse – a person trained to care for sick people
• patient – a person receiving medical care
• waiting room – the area where patients wait for the doctor
• medical record – a file with a patient’s health history
• check-up – a routine health examination
• diagnosis – the name of the illness or condition
• prescription – a doctor’s order for medicine or treatment
• prescribe – to tell a patient what medicine or treatment to take
• treatment – the care given to improve a health condition
• medication / medicine – a drug used to treat illness
• pill / tablet – a small solid form of medicine
• syrup – liquid medicine, often sweet
• injection / shot – medicine given with a needle
• thermometer – tool to measure body temperature
• stethoscope – tool to listen to the heart and lungs
• blood pressure monitor – tool to check blood pressure
• temperature – how hot or cold the body is
• to examine – to look at the body to check for problems
• to listen to the chest – to use a stethoscope to check breathing or heart
• to describe the symptoms – to explain what you feel when you are sick
• to feel better – to have improved health
• to recover – to return to normal health
• follow-up visit – another visit to check progress
• medical certificate – a written note confirming illness or recovery

⛑️ First Aid

Here is essential vocabulary related to first aid steps, emergencies, and basic items in a first aid kit.

• first aid – emergency help given before a doctor arrives
• emergency – a sudden serious situation needing fast help
• first aid kit – a box with supplies for treating injuries
• bandage – a strip used to cover or support an injury
• adhesive bandage / plaster – a small sticky bandage for minor cuts
• gauze – soft material for cleaning or covering wounds
• antiseptic – a liquid to clean wounds and kill germs
• disinfectant – chemical used to kill bacteria or viruses
• alcohol swab – small cloth with alcohol for cleaning skin
• burn ointment – cream to treat skin after a burn
• scissors – tool for cutting bandages or tape
• tweezers – small tool to remove splinters or objects
• gloves – hand covers to protect from infection
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) – emergency method to restart heart and breathing
• to perform CPR – to give chest compressions and breaths
• mouth-to-mouth – giving breaths directly into someone’s mouth
• rescue breathing – helping someone breathe during an emergency
• choking – when something blocks the airway
• to call emergency services – to ask for urgent help by phone
• ambulance – emergency vehicle that transports sick or hurt people
• paramedic – trained person who gives emergency medical care
• to stop bleeding – to make bleeding slow or stop
• to treat a wound – to clean and cover an injury
• to apply pressure – to press firmly to stop bleeding
• to immobilize – to keep an injured part still
• recovery position – safe position to help an unconscious person breathe
• defibrillator (AED) – device that gives electric shocks to restart the heart
• shock – a life-threatening condition from injury or trauma
• burn – damage to the skin caused by heat
• sprain – stretched or torn ligament in a joint
• fracture – a broken bone

🏥 Hospital & Emergencies

This section includes essential vocabulary for talking about hospitals, emergencies, specialized care, surgeries, and the hospital environment.

• hospital – a large place where sick people receive medical care
• clinic – a small medical center for check-ups or treatments
• emergency room (ER) / casualty – a hospital area for urgent care
• specialized hospital – a hospital for specific types of care

• operating room / surgery room – room where surgeries are done
• delivery room – room where babies are born
• recovery room – room where patients rest after surgery
• resuscitation room – room for reviving patients
• emergency room – place for immediate medical help
• intensive care unit (ICU) – area for seriously ill patients
• isolation room – room to keep infectious patients apart
• hospital room – room where patients stay in the hospital
• consultation room – room for medical exams and talks
• waiting room – place where people wait before seeing a doctor
• maternity ward – area for pregnant women and newborns
• pediatrics department – hospital section for children's care
• radiology department – area for X-rays and scans

• doctor / physician – a person trained to treat illnesses
• surgeon – a doctor who performs operations
• nurse – a trained person who helps care for patients
• anesthetist – a person who gives medicine to prevent pain during surgery
• midwife – a person trained to help with childbirth
• paramedic – a person who gives emergency care before reaching a hospital
• hospital staff – all the people working in a hospital

• hospitalization – staying in a hospital for treatment
• operation / surgery – a medical procedure to fix a problem inside the body
• injection – medicine given with a needle
• anesthesia – medicine to stop pain during a procedure
• stitches / sutures – thread used to close a wound
• wound dressing – covering used to protect a wound
• blood test – taking blood to check health
• X-ray – a scan to see bones and organs
• CT scan – a detailed scan of the body using X-rays
• ultrasound – a test using sound waves to see inside the body
• IV drip / infusion – liquid medicine given through a vein

• admission – the process of entering the hospital for care
• discharge – leaving the hospital after treatment
• medical file / records – a patient’s health documents
• visitor – a person who comes to see someone in the hospital
• ambulance – a vehicle used to transport sick or injured people

🦷 Dentist & Dental Care

This section includes useful vocabulary to describe a dentist visit, mouth parts, dental pain, common procedures, and tools.

• tooth / teeth – hard structures in the mouth for chewing
• gum – soft tissue around the teeth
• tongue – the muscle in your mouth used for tasting and speaking
• palate – the roof of the mouth
• jaw – the bone that moves the mouth
• canine – pointed tooth used for tearing
• molar – large tooth at the back used for grinding
• incisor – front tooth used for cutting
• wisdom tooth – the last molar that appears in adulthood

• toothache – pain in or around a tooth
• sensitive teeth – teeth that hurt with hot or cold
• cavity – a hole in a tooth from decay
• abscess – a pocket of pus caused by infection
• bleeding gum – when gums lose blood easily
• broken tooth – a tooth that is cracked or chipped
• loose tooth – a tooth that moves or wobbles
• swollen jaw – a jaw that is puffy from injury or infection

• check-up – a routine dental examination
• cleaning – removing plaque and dirt from teeth
• scaling – removing hardened plaque (tartar)
• filling – material used to fill a cavity
• root canal – treatment for infection inside a tooth
• extraction – removal of a tooth
• crown – a cap placed over a damaged tooth
• bridge – a set of artificial teeth replacing missing ones
• implant – a metal post to replace a lost tooth
• braces – device used to straighten teeth
• retainer – device to keep teeth in place after braces
• anesthetic – medicine to numb the area during treatment
• x-ray – a scan of teeth and jaw using radiation

• mirror – small tool to see inside the mouth
• probe – tool to examine the teeth and gums
• drill – tool to remove decay from teeth
• suction – tool to remove saliva from the mouth
• forceps – tool to pull out teeth
• chair – seat used by patients during treatment
• tray – flat surface for holding tools
• protective glasses – eyewear to protect during procedures
• gloves – hand coverings for hygiene

• dentist – a doctor who treats teeth
• orthodontist – a specialist in straightening teeth
• dental assistant – a person who helps the dentist
• hygienist – a professional who cleans teeth
• patient – a person receiving dental care

👁️‍🗨️ Vision & Optometry

This section covers essential vocabulary related to vision, eye problems, eye exams, and optical equipment. Useful for visits to the optician or eye doctor.

• eye – the organ for seeing
• pupil – the black center of the eye that lets in light
• iris – the colored part around the pupil
• eyelid – the skin that opens and closes over the eye
• eyelash – the small hairs on the edge of the eyelid
• eyebrow – the hair above the eye
• cornea – the clear front part of the eye
• retina – the part inside the eye that detects light
• tear – a drop of liquid from the eye
• tear duct – the passage that drains tears

• blurred vision – not seeing clearly
• double vision – seeing two images instead of one
• eye strain – tired or painful eyes
• dry eyes – not enough moisture in the eyes
• itchy eyes – eyes that feel like scratching
• redness – red or bloodshot eyes
• teary eyes – eyes with too many tears
• infection – when germs cause pain or redness in the eye
• conjunctivitis – pink or irritated eyes, often from infection
• glaucoma – eye disease that damages the optic nerve
• cataract – clouding of the eye lens

• myopia / nearsightedness – trouble seeing far away
• hyperopia / farsightedness – trouble seeing up close
• astigmatism – blurry vision caused by irregular eye shape
• presbyopia – difficulty seeing close as you age
• color blindness – trouble seeing some colors
• blindness – complete or severe loss of vision

• eye test – an exam to check how well you see
• eye chart – chart with letters to test vision
• refraction test – test to find the right glasses prescription
• vision screening – a quick check of eyesight
• retinal scan – a scan of the back of the eye
• optical prescription – a written order for glasses or lenses

• glasses – lenses worn to correct vision
• spectacles – another word for glasses
• contact lenses – small lenses worn on the eyes
• lens case – container for contact lenses
• eye drops – liquid medicine for the eyes
• cleaning cloth – fabric used to clean glasses

• optician – a person who makes and sells glasses
• optometrist – a person who tests eyesight and prescribes lenses
• ophthalmologist – a medical doctor who treats eye diseases
• patient – a person receiving eye care

🤰 Pregnancy & Maternity

This section includes vocabulary related to pregnancy, birth, prenatal and postnatal care, and general maternity topics. It is useful for talking about health, medical follow-ups, or personal experiences.

• pregnancy – when a woman is carrying a baby
• pregnant – having a baby growing inside
• expecting a baby – going to have a baby
• due date – the expected day the baby will be born
• trimester – one of the three parts of pregnancy
• prenatal care – medical care during pregnancy
• ultrasound – a scan to see the baby inside
• contractions – tightening of muscles before birth
• labor – the process of giving birth
• birth – when a baby comes out into the world

• natural birth – giving birth without surgery
• home birth – giving birth at home
• hospital birth – giving birth in a hospital
• cesarean section / C-section – baby is born through surgery
• premature birth – baby is born too early
• multiple birth – having more than one baby (like twins)

• maternity ward – hospital area for birth and mothers
• delivery room – room where babies are born
• birthing pool – pool used for water birth
• midwife – a person who helps deliver babies
• obstetrician – doctor who cares for pregnant women
• gynecologist – doctor for women’s health
• pediatrician – doctor for babies and children
• mother – a woman who has a baby
• newborn – a baby just born
• baby – a very young child

• breastfeeding – feeding a baby with breast milk
• bottle-feeding – feeding a baby with a bottle
• diaper / nappy – what babies wear to stay clean
• baby crib – small bed for a baby
• baby clothes – clothes for babies
• pacifier / dummy – a rubber object babies suck on
• stroller / pram – a cart for pushing a baby
• nursing pillow – pillow to help feed the baby comfortably

• She’s expecting twins. – She will have two babies.
• The baby was born at home. – The birth happened at home.
• She had a C-section. – The baby was born by surgery.
• The due date is in May. – The baby is expected in May.

🧠 Therapy & Mental Health

This section covers vocabulary related to mental health, emotions, mental disorders, and types of therapy. Useful for describing stress, depression, or psychological care.

• mental health – how your mind feels and works
• well-being – feeling healthy and happy
• stress – feeling worried or tense
• anxiety – feeling nervous or scared a lot
• panic attack – sudden strong fear with body symptoms
• depression – deep sadness that lasts a long time
• mood disorder – a problem with strong or changing emotions
• burnout – being too tired from stress or work
• low self-esteem – not feeling good about yourself
• trauma – strong emotional pain from bad events

• therapy – talking to someone to feel better
• psychotherapy – treatment for mental problems using talk
• counseling – advice and support from a trained person
• support group – people with the same problem helping each other
• self-help – improving yourself without a doctor
• crisis hotline – phone line for emergencies and help
• meditation – quiet thinking to calm the mind
• relaxation techniques – ways to help the body and mind feel calm
• mindfulness – focusing on the present moment

• psychologist – a person who helps with feelings and thoughts
• psychiatrist – a doctor for mental health who can give medicine
• therapist – someone who helps with emotional problems
• life coach – a person who helps with goals and choices
• social worker – a person who helps people with personal problems

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – stress after a scary event
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – unwanted thoughts and repeated actions
• bipolar disorder – mood swings from very high to very low
• eating disorder – unhealthy relationship with food
• addiction – not being able to stop doing something harmful
• insomnia – trouble sleeping

• He is seeing a therapist. – He is getting emotional help.
• She suffers from anxiety. – She feels nervous often.
• Group therapy helps me a lot. – Talking in a group helps me.
• Mental health is as important as physical health. – The mind matters as much as the body.

🚑 Emergencies & First Aid

This section includes important words for emergencies, calling for help, understanding response services, and reacting quickly to accidents or danger.

• emergency – a sudden dangerous situation
• emergency services – people who help in emergencies
• emergency number – phone number for help (like 911)
• ambulance – vehicle for taking people to the hospital
• paramedic – trained person who helps in emergencies
• first responder – the first helper to arrive
• rescue team – a group that saves people
• fire brigade – people who fight fires

• accident – something bad that happens suddenly
• injury – harm to the body
• fracture – a broken bone
• burn – damage to skin from heat
• bleeding – losing blood
• stroke – brain attack from blocked blood
• heart attack – when the heart stops working right
• loss of consciousness – when someone passes out
• fainting – short loss of consciousness
• choking – can’t breathe because something blocks the throat
• shock – the body’s reaction to serious injury

• first aid kit – box with emergency medical items
• defibrillator (AED) – machine to restart the heart
• bandage – cloth to cover a wound
• splint – a tool to keep a broken bone still
• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) – chest pushes to help someone breathe
• mouth-to-mouth – blowing air into someone’s mouth
• rescue breathing – giving breaths to someone not breathing
• place in recovery position – turn a person on their side for safety

• Call an ambulance! – Get emergency help now!
• It’s an emergency! – This is very serious!
• He’s unconscious. – He’s not awake.
• She’s bleeding heavily. – A lot of blood is coming out.
• Do you know first aid? – Can you help in emergencies?

👮 Police & Security

This section introduces basic vocabulary related to public safety, police officers, crimes, interventions, and communication with authorities.

• police officer – a person who enforces the law
• patrol – a routine walk or drive to check safety
• detective – someone who investigates crimes
• sergeant – a police rank above officer
• police station – a building where police work
• badge – an official sign showing authority
• uniform – special clothes worn by police

• crime – something illegal or against the law
• theft – taking something that isn’t yours
• burglary – breaking into a place to steal
• assault – attacking someone physically
• fraud – cheating to get money or benefits
• vandalism – damaging property on purpose
• scam – a trick to steal money
• drug trafficking – selling or moving illegal drugs
• hit and run – leaving after causing an accident
• domestic violence – hurting someone in your family

• arrest – stopping and taking someone by law
• suspect – someone who may have done a crime
• witness – a person who saw a crime
• victim – someone hurt by a crime
• interrogation – asking questions during an investigation
• report – an official written or spoken account
• investigation – looking into what happened
• search – looking carefully for something
• evidence – proof that something happened
• crime scene – the place where a crime happened

• police car – a car used by police
• handcuffs – metal rings to lock hands
• baton – a stick used by police
• radio – a device to talk at a distance
• body camera – a small camera worn on the body
• sirens – loud sound used in emergencies

• I want to report a theft. – I want to say something was stolen.
• Call the police! – Contact the police now!
• What’s your badge number? – What is your official police number?
• I’m a witness. – I saw what happened.
• I lost my wallet. – I can’t find my wallet.

🚒 Firefighters & Fire Safety

This section covers words related to firefighters, fire equipment, rescue operations, and emergency situations in homes or public places.

• firefighter – a person who puts out fires
• fire station – the place where firefighters work
• chief – the leader of the firefighters
• emergency call center – the place where emergency calls are answered

• fire truck – a truck that carries firefighters and tools
• fire hose – a long tube that sprays water on fires
• fire hydrant – a water source for firefighters
• fire extinguisher – a tool to stop small fires
• protective gear – clothing that keeps firefighters safe
• oxygen tank – a bottle of air for breathing
• fireproof suit – clothes that don’t catch fire easily
• ladder – a tool to climb up high
• helmet – a hard hat that protects the head
• rescue equipment – tools to help people in danger

• fire – flames that can burn things
• forest fire – fire in a wooded area
• house fire – fire in a home
• explosion – a loud blast that destroys things
• smoke – the gray or black air from fire
• burn – injury from heat or fire
• evacuation – leaving a place for safety
• rescue – saving someone from danger
• emergency response – fast help in a crisis
• fire alarm – a warning sound for fire
• sprinkler system – water system that turns on in a fire

• There’s a fire! – Something is burning!
• Call the fire department! – Get the firefighters quickly!
• Stay calm and evacuate the building. – Be calm and leave the place safely.
• Use the emergency exit. – Go out through the safe way.
• Don’t use the elevator during a fire. – Use stairs, not the elevator in a fire.

🏦 Banking & Finance

This section provides key vocabulary for talking about money, banking services, payments, and personal or professional financial management.

• bank – a place where you keep your money
• branch – a local office of a bank
• online bank – a bank you use on the internet
• ATM (Automated Teller Machine) – a machine to get or deposit money
• checking account (US) / current account (UK) – a basic account for daily use
• savings account – an account to save money
• joint account – a shared account for two or more people
• bank statement – a record of your bank transactions

• withdrawal – taking money out of an account
• deposit – putting money into an account
• transfer – sending money between accounts
• direct debit – automatic payment from your account
• balance – the amount of money in your account
• overdraft – when you spend more than you have
• loan – money you borrow and must pay back
• interest rate – the cost of borrowing money
• mortgage – a loan for buying a house
• credit – money you can use and repay later
• debt – money you owe to someone

• cash – physical money (coins and bills)
• coins – small round metal money
• bills / banknotes – paper money
• credit card – a card for paying with borrowed money
• debit card – a card that pays with your bank money
• check (US) / cheque (UK) – paper you sign to pay from your account
• PIN (Personal Identification Number) – your secret number for cards
• contactless payment – paying by tapping a card or phone
• mobile payment – paying with your phone

• I’d like to open a bank account. – I want to start using the bank.
• Can I withdraw some money? – Can I take money out?
• What’s my balance? – How much money do I have?
• I’ve lost my card. – I can’t find my bank card.
• I need a loan. – I want to borrow money.
• I want to transfer money abroad. – I want to send money to another country.

📞 Phone & Communication

This section contains words and expressions related to landlines, mobile phones, calls, messages, and digital communication.

• telephone / landline – a phone connected by cable, not mobile
• mobile phone / cell phone – a phone you can carry with you
• smartphone – a mobile phone with internet and apps
• SIM card – a small chip that connects your phone to the network
• charger – a device used to charge a phone
• headphones / earbuds – small speakers for your ears
• signal / reception – the strength of your phone connection

• call – speaking to someone by phone
• missed call – a call you didn’t answer
• incoming call – a call coming to your phone
• voicemail – recorded message left when you can’t answer
• text message / SMS – a written message sent by phone
• to hang up – to end a call
• to answer – to pick up a call
• to dial a number – to enter a phone number to call
• to call back – to return someone’s call

• network – the system that connects your phone
• provider / carrier – the company that gives you phone service
• data – internet used on your phone
• coverage – how well the network works in your area
• internet plan – your data package or subscription
• roaming – using your phone abroad
• mobile app – a program you install on your phone

• Can you hear me? – Is the sound clear?
• I have no signal. – My phone has no connection.
• The line is busy. – The person is already on a call.
• Leave a message after the beep. – Record your message after the tone.
• Could you spell that, please? – Can you say each letter clearly?

🏨 Hotel & Accommodation

This section presents vocabulary for hotel stays, services offered, booking, and available amenities.

• reservation – booking in advance
• to book a room – to reserve a place to stay
• check-in – the process of arriving at a hotel
• check-out – the process of leaving a hotel
• confirmation – proof your booking is accepted
• cancellation – ending a booking

• single room – a room for one person
• double room – a room for two with one bed
• twin room – a room for two with two beds
• suite – a large room with extra space
• family room – a room for several people

• reception – the front desk where you check in
• lobby – the main area near the entrance
• corridor – a hallway that leads to rooms
• elevator / lift – a machine to go up or down floors
• staircase – stairs in a building
• room – a space where you sleep or stay

• bed – a place to sleep
• bathroom – a room with a toilet and sink or shower
• shower – a place to wash with water from above
• towels – cloths to dry your body
• air conditioning – a machine that cools the air
• heating – a system that makes the room warm
• Wi-Fi – wireless internet access
• breakfast included – morning meal is free with your room
• room service – food or items brought to your room
• cleaning service – staff who clean your room
• swimming pool – a place to swim
• fitness center – a room with exercise equipment
• parking – a place to leave your car

• I’d like to book a room for two nights. – I want to stay for two nights.
• Do you have a room available? – Is there a free room?
• The room is too cold / hot. – The temperature is not comfortable.
• The shower is not working. – Water does not come out of the shower.
• Can I get an extra towel? – I need one more towel, please.

🧾 Conclusion

This guide helped you learn or review many essential words related to health, emergencies, and everyday services.

Whether you're visiting a doctor, calling emergency services, staying at a hotel, or opening a bank account, these words will help you communicate better in English.

Feel free to revisit these sections often to memorize the vocabulary. Use them in sentences and dialogues to improve faster.

👉 Keep building your English every day!