What to Do in an Emergency

Take charge, stay calm, check for danger, get consent, and call 999 with the right information. You are the most important person at the scene: if you get hurt, there are two casualties.

Arriving at the scene

1
Take charge and stay calm.
Assess the situation before you act. Look for bystanders who can call 999, fetch the first aid kit, bring a defibrillator or simply give moral support.
2
Check for danger to you first.
Water, traffic, crowds, broken glass, spills. If the scene is not safe, do not approach: call the emergency services instead. An injured first aider is a second casualty, not a helper.
3
Gather information.
Find out what happened and how bad the injuries are, from the casualty or from witnesses.

Consent before you treat

A conscious casualty must agree to your help. Say who you are, that you are trained in first aid, and what you would like to do.

For a child or vulnerable person, ask the parent or guardian where possible; if they are not there, consent is implied, and it is best to treat with someone else present. An unconscious casualty is treated under implied consent: act to save their life.

Calling 999

Know your full workplace address, and whether a sat nav actually finds it. If it does not, know the landmarks that will guide a crew in.

Your exact location, repeated back when asked
How many casualties you have
The type of incident and the extent of the injuries

Who gets treated first

When there is more than one casualty, or more than one problem, prioritise: breathing before bleeding, bleeding before bones and burns, then everything else. A casualty who is not breathing always comes first.

Protect against infection

Wash your hands and wear gloves before treating anyone
Do not touch, cough or sneeze over a wound
Used dressings go in a biohazard bag, then a biohazard bin

Common questions

What do I say when I call 999?

Your exact location first, then the number of casualties, the type of incident and how serious the injuries are. The call handler will ask you to repeat the location, so know your address and the nearest landmarks.

Can I treat someone who says no?

No. A conscious adult can refuse help. Explain who you are and what you want to do, and respect their answer. If they become unconscious, consent is implied and you should treat them.

Go beyond reading

Skills stick when you practise them

A certified course puts these skills in your hands: real CPR practice, real feedback, a recognised certificate for work. One-day Emergency First Aid at Work courses run across the UK.

Find a certified course

First Aid Guru guides support learning and refreshing your knowledge. They are not a substitute for regulated, hands-on first aid training or for professional medical advice. In an emergency call 999 (UK) and follow the call handler's instructions.