Check without creating more risk
Look for traffic, electricity, fire, smoke, chemicals or an unstable structure before approaching.
Check whether the person responds and whether they are breathing normally. Gasping is not normal breathing.
Do not move someone with a possible head, neck or back injury unless the location is unsafe, movement is required for CPR or severe bleeding must be controlled.
Give care within your training
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow the call handler’s CPR instructions and use an AED if available.
For life-threatening external bleeding, apply firm direct pressure with a dressing or clean material. Use a tourniquet only if trained and the situation calls for it.
If an unresponsive person is breathing normally and no spinal injury is suspected, the call handler may guide you to a recovery position.
Keep information moving
Note the time symptoms started, what happened, allergies, medicines and medical conditions if known.
Stay with the person, keep them from becoming too hot or cold and tell the call handler about any change.
Do not give food, drink or medication to an unresponsive person, and do not delay the ambulance while collecting belongings.
If breathing or responsiveness changes
Tell the 998 call handler immediately if the person stops responding, is not breathing normally or is only gasping. Follow the CPR and AED instructions you are given; this page cannot guide an individual resuscitation attempt.
If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, keep checking their breathing. The call handler may advise a recovery position, especially if the airway needs protecting. Tell them first if you suspect a head, neck or back injury.
If another person is available, let them fetch an AED, first-aid kit or access information while you stay on the line. Do not spend time searching for equipment instead of calling for help.
Give a useful handover
When responders arrive, state what happened and the time the problem began or the person was last known to be well. Describe changes in breathing, consciousness and symptoms without guessing at a diagnosis.
Tell them what care was actually given, including any medicine, CPR, AED use or pressure applied to bleeding. If you are unsure of an answer, say that you are unsure.
Point out scene hazards and share an available medication or allergy list. Keep a clear path for the team and follow their directions; avoid crowding the patient or filming the response.