In Any Emergency, Remember Three Things

Before anything else, these three priorities apply — always, in this order.

1

Stay Safe First

You cannot help others if you become a victim. Check that the scene is safe before you enter or act.

2

Call for Help

Get emergency services involved immediately. They are the best-equipped people to handle any crisis.

3

Stay Calm

Keeping yourself calm helps you think clearly and genuinely helps the injured person too.

What to Do When It Happens

Follow these four steps in order. Stay calm, move quickly, and always prioritise getting professional help.

1

Check for Danger

Before helping anyone, make sure the scene is safe for you. Look for hazards — traffic, fire, falling objects, unstable structures. If there is active danger you cannot control, do not enter. Call for help from a safe distance.

A second victim doesn’t help anyone. Your safety comes first, always.
2

Call for Help Immediately

Call the emergency number — or direct someone nearby to call — for any serious injury, fire, unconsciousness, or breathing difficulty. Give your location clearly and calmly, and stay on the line if instructed to do so.

Know your local emergency number before you ever need it. Save it in your phone now.
3

Stay Calm and Comfort the Person

If someone is conscious and has a minor or moderate injury, encourage them to sit or lie down in a safe position. Speak calmly and reassure them help is on the way. Don’t leave them alone if you can help it.

Your calm presence genuinely reduces their panic — it helps them breathe and think more clearly.
4

Do Not Move the Person (Unless Absolutely Necessary)

If the person has a potential head, neck, or back injury, do not move them — unless they are in immediate, life-threatening danger like a fire. Moving someone with a spinal injury incorrectly can cause permanent, serious harm.

Wait for emergency services before moving anyone with a suspected spine injury.

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