Emergency

CALL AN AMBULANCE

DO NOT MOVE THE PATIENT IF

You think there may be a back or neck injury or any other injury that could be made worse by movement

The person is in shock

The person has breathing problems

The person has severe chest pains

IF THE PATIENT IS NOT SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED

Take the patient directly to the accident department of the nearest hospital

WHEN TO SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION

Head injuries
Loss of consciousness
Severe bleeding, chest or stomach pains
Broken or dislocated bones
Choking

RECOVERY POSITION

If the patient is unconscious but breathing

Turn them on their side
Check airway is open by lifting their chin and tilting the head back slightly

HOW TO RECOGNISE SEVERE CHEST PAIN OR A HEART ATTACK

Vice-like pain in the middle of the chest, often spreading down the left arm and jaw
Shortness of breath
Sudden faintness or giddiness
Grey pallor to the skin
Lips look blue

WHAT TO DO IF THE PAIN DOES NOT EASE

Ring 999
Make the patient comfortable

HOW TO RECOGNISE MEDICAL SHOCK

Patient becomes pale, sweaty, drowsy and confused

IF CONSCIOUS

Seek urgent medical help
Reassure the patient
Do not give anything to eat or drink

IF UNCONSCIOUS BUT BREATHING

Place in recovery position

BURNS

Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides. This may take as long as 15 minutes! If the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing.
If the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.