What should I do in a medical emergency?

Emergency

🚨 FIRST PRIORITY: CALL 999

For any life-threatening emergency

🫀 Heart Attack

Signs Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating
  • Call 999 immediately
  • Help them sit in comfortable position
  • Give aspirin if available and not allergic
  • Stay with them until help arrives

NHS Heart Attack Guide (opens in new tab)

🧠 Stroke - Use FAST Test

FAST Test:

  • Face - drooping on one side
  • Arms - cannot lift both arms
  • Speech - slurred or garbled
  • Time - call 999 immediately

NHS Stroke Information (opens in new tab)

😵 Unconscious Person

  1. Check for response and breathing
  2. Call 999
  3. Place in recovery position if breathing
  4. Start CPR if not breathing

NHS First Aid: Unconscious Person (opens in new tab)

🫁 Choking

  1. Encourage coughing if they can
  2. Give 5 back blows between shoulder blades
  3. If unsuccessful, give 5 abdominal thrusts
  4. Call 999 if object doesn't clear

NHS Choking First Aid (opens in new tab)

🩸 Severe Bleeding

  • Apply direct pressure to wound
  • Raise injured area above heart if possible
  • Call 999 if bleeding won't stop
  • Don't remove embedded objects

NHS Bleeding Guide (opens in new tab)

🤧 Severe Allergic Reaction

Signs Difficulty breathing, swelling, widespread rash
  1. Call 999 immediately
  2. Use EpiPen if they have one
  3. Help them sit upright
  4. Monitor breathing

NHS Anaphylaxis Information (opens in new tab)

📞 After Calling 999

  1. Stay on the line - follow dispatcher's instructions
  2. Stay with the client - provide reassurance
  3. Gather information - medications, medical history, allergies
  4. Contact your manager as soon as possible
  5. Document everything that happened

Emergency Contacts

View all emergency contacts

Key Resources:

Remember: Act quickly but stay calm. Your prompt action could save a life.