ambulance

Yes, if by "call" you mean "summon". If by "call" you mean "speak on the telephone to" then some clarification is needed.

The word "call" can mean "summon".

I call my son in from the garden.
I call my dog.

Also, "call" can mean "speak on the telephone to"

I called my boss to say I was sick.
I called my mother to say "happy birthday".

The context will make clear what meaning is being expressed.

Many UK English speakers say "phone" although some say "call".

In casual speech people say "call an ambulance" or "call the police" or "call the fire brigade" ("fire department" in the USA).

Of course, you cannot literally phone an ambulance. An ambulance is a motor vehicle.



So, it would be more correct to say "call (or phone) for an ambulance".

Taking the meanings literally

1. I phone an ambulance.

This sentence means "I speak on the telephone with an ambulance." Obviously this is impossible, since a motor vehicle cannot speak.

But in casual speech people may say it when they mean...

2. I phone for an ambulance.

I telephone the emergency services and ask for an ambulance to be sent.

In many countries you dial one single emergency number for fire, police or ambulance. In Britain you can use 999 or 112. The operator will ask you, "Do you want fire, police, or ambulance?".

Thanks, Contrex for your detailed and lucid reply.

I appreciate it very much.