# Emergency Calls

Part of the Radio Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/radio/guide/index.md)

*8. Option A: Amateur Radio*

> **8a4.** Explain how you would make an emergency call on voice or Morse code.

In a genuine emergency, amateur radio operators are authorized to use any frequency and any mode necessary to call for help — normal rules about band privileges are suspended when life or property is in immediate danger.

## Voice Emergency Call

The international radiotelephone distress signal is **"MAYDAY"** (from the French *m'aider* — "help me"). For situations that are urgent but not immediately life-threatening, use **"PAN-PAN"** (from the French *panne* — "breakdown").

### How to Make a MAYDAY Call

1. Tune to a commonly monitored frequency:
   - **146.520 MHz** — the national 2-meter FM simplex calling frequency
   - **7.030 MHz** or **14.300 MHz** — HF voice emergency frequencies
   - Any active repeater frequency in your area
2. Transmit: **"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [your call sign], [your call sign], [your call sign]."**
3. Give your **location** (as precisely as possible — coordinates, landmarks, or nearest town).
4. Describe the **nature of the emergency** (injury, fire, lost, etc.).
5. State what **help you need** (ambulance, rescue, relay to 911).
6. Give the **number of people involved** and their condition.
7. Say **"Over"** and listen for a response.
8. If no response, repeat on another frequency.

## Morse Code Emergency Signal

The international distress signal in CW is **SOS**: three dots, three dashes, three dots, sent as a single character with no spacing between the letters.

```
· · · — — — · · ·
```

Send SOS repeatedly, followed by your call sign and location information. On HF, 7.030 MHz is a common CW calling frequency.

> **Safety First!**
>
> The FCC rules (§97.405) explicitly state that no amateur radio rule prevents an operator from providing communications needed for the immediate safety of human life or immediate protection of property. In a true emergency, use whatever frequency and mode gives you the best chance of being heard. Worry about the rules later.

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