Take care when giving help

Before you take a single step toward the victim, pause and look around. You cannot help someone if you become a victim yourself. Look for immediate hazards such as oncoming traffic, downed power lines, fire, toxic fumes, or unstable structures. If the area is unsafe, stay back and call emergency services immediately.

Conduct a rapid visual scan of the area to understand what happened. Is it a car accident, a fall, or a medical episode? Look for clues like spilt liquids, a nearby ladder, or medical alert bracelets. Quickly gauge how many people are hurt so you can relay accurate information to emergency dispatchers.

Do not try to manage the situation alone if others are around. Point directly to a specific bystander and give clear, direct commands: “You in the blue jacket, call 911 (or your local emergency number), and tell them we have an unresponsive victim.” Ask another bystander to look for a first aid kit or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and use others to direct traffic or keep crowds back.

Once it is safe to approach, check the victim’s level of consciousness and vital signs. Tap their shoulders firmly and shout, “Are you okay?”

• Airway: Check if their mouth and throat are clear.

• Breathing: Place your ear near their mouth for 10 seconds. Look for the rise and fall of the chest, and feel for breath against your cheek.

• Circulation/Severe Bleeding: Scan the body quickly for any catastrophic, life-threatening external bleeding that requires immediate pressure.

If the victim is breathing but unconscious, and you do not suspect a spinal injury, carefully roll them onto their side into the recovery position to keep their airway open. If they are not breathing, begin CPR immediately if you are trained. Keep the victim warm, calm, and completely still. Avoid moving them unless staying in that spot poses an immediate threat to their life.