If you’ve never heard this word before you might be able to work out what it means when you hear it used in context. Have a look at the sentence below and see if you can understand what it means.

“As we passed the car accident we could hear an ambo’s siren getting louder and louder as it rushed towards the terrible scene.”

How did you go? If you thought that an ‘ambo’ was some kind of emergency vehicle that goes to incidents where people are hurt, you are spot on. Well done. Yes, ‘ambo’ is Australian slang for ‘ambulance‘ and ambulance is a useful word to know if you are traveling overseas in an English-speaking country.

Just be aware, not everyone in Australia uses the word ‘ambo’. In fact, I would always say ambulance if I was speaking to a tourist. However, if you faint, or have another type of medical episode in Australia, a kind person wanting to help may ask you:

“Are you alright? Do you need an ambo?”

At least now you’ll understand what they mean and hopefully your answer will be:

“No, thanks, I’m okay.”

work out   –  to understand something or to find the answer to something by thinking about it

context  –  the text or speech that comes immediately before and after a particular expression that helps to explain its meaning

siren  –  a device for making a loud warning noise

incident  –  an event that is either unpleasant or unusual

spot on  –  exactly right

ambulance  –  a special vehicle used to take sick or injured people to hospital

paramedic  –  a person who is trained to do medical work, especially in an emergency, but who is not a doctor or nurse

faint  –  to suddenly become unconscious for a short time, usually falling down

episode  –  a sudden short period in which someone suffers the effects of a physical or mental illness