When an emergency happens, every second counts — but those first few minutes before an ambulance arrives can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a calm approach and a few simple actions, anyone can make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or part of a workplace team, knowing what to do can save a life and give the casualty the best possible chance of recovery.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Your first job is to pause, breathe, and take in what’s happening. Rushing in without thinking can put both you and the casualty at risk. Look for dangers such as traffic, electricity, fire, or anything else that could cause further harm. If it isn’t safe, don’t approach — call for help and wait.
Once the area is safe, check the casualty. Are they conscious? Are they breathing normally? Understanding their condition helps you decide what to do next.
2. Call 999 Early
If someone is seriously unwell, injured, unresponsive, or not breathing normally, call 999 immediately. The call handler will guide you step‑by‑step, so you’re never alone. Provide clear information: your location, what happened, the casualty’s condition, and any known medical history.
If possible, put your phone on speaker mode so you can use both hands to help while continuing to follow instructions.
3. Start Life‑Saving First Aid
While waiting for the ambulance, your actions can be critical:
If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally:
Begin CPR. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Continue until help arrives or the casualty starts breathing normally.
If they are unresponsive but breathing normally:
Place them in the recovery position. This keeps their airway open and reduces the risk of choking.
If they are bleeding heavily:
Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or your hands. Keep pressure constant until the ambulance arrives.
If they are choking:
Encourage coughing. If this doesn’t work, deliver up to five back blows, followed by up to five abdominal thrusts if needed.
These simple steps can prevent a situation from becoming far more serious.
4. Keep the Casualty Warm, Reassured, and Still
Shock can develop quickly after an injury or medical emergency. Keeping the casualty warm with a coat or blanket helps maintain body temperature. Reassure them with calm, simple language — your voice can be grounding in a frightening moment.
Encourage them to stay still, especially if you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury.
5. Gather Useful Information
If you can, collect details that will help the paramedics when they arrive:
- What happened and when
- Any medication the casualty takes
- Allergies or medical conditions
- Changes in their condition while waiting
This information helps the ambulance crew make fast, informed decisions.
6. Send Someone to Meet the Ambulance
If you’re in a workplace, school, or large building, ask someone to wait outside and guide the crew in. This saves valuable time.
Emergencies are never easy, but with the right knowledge and confidence, anyone can step forward and help. If you’d like to build these skills in a supportive, hands‑on environment, Flowers Training offers accredited first aid courses designed for parents, carers, and workplaces across Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.
You never know when you might be the person who makes all the difference.
