1Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), severe bleeding, unresponsiveness, a seizure over 5 minutes, choking, suspected overdose, or severe allergic reaction.
2Give your address, tell them what happened, and stay on the line. The dispatcher will coach you.
3Not responding and not breathing normally: push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 2 pushes per second, until help arrives. Use an AED if you have one.
4Severe bleeding: press firmly with a clean cloth and do not let up.
5Severe allergic reaction: use the epinephrine auto-injector on the outer thigh, then call 911.
What to grab
Their medication list, allergies, and insurance card.
The medications themselves, in their bottles.
Epinephrine, inhaler, or insulin if they use them.
Phone. Unlock the front door and turn on the porch light. Put pets away.
Where to go
Stay with the person until help arrives. Move them only if they are in danger.
Send someone outside to flag down the ambulance.
If you are the one with chest pain or stroke signs, call 911 — do not drive yourself.
What NOT to do
Don't wait to see if chest pain or stroke signs get better.
Don't move someone with a possible head, neck, or back injury unless they are in danger.
Don't put anything in the mouth of someone having a seizure.
Don't give food or drink to someone who is choking or unresponsive.
Don't pull out an object stuck in a wound — pad around it.