Reacting carefully and correctly in a medical emergency can save lives – including yours.
In any emergency, proceed quickly but with caution. The first goal is to not make the situation worse than it already is.
The 3 C’s of Emergency Care
- Check: Look around for anything that might be unsafe. That could include unsafe materials on the ground, live wires, fire, traffic or other hazardous conditions.
- Call: As soon as it is safe to do so, check to see if the victim is breathing and has a pulse or not. Call for emergency help immediately. Follow the instructions of the person on the emergency line. Stay on the phone with the medical emergency line until the person on the end has ended the call.
- Care: Provide initial care until the medical professionals arrive. Caring includes monitoring breathing, pulse and overall condition. Give CPR if it is needed. Provide first aid where possible and needed. Keep the victim warm. If you are on the phone with a dispatcher, they will guide you through the next steps.
DO NOT:
- Move the victim unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency or danger of further harm.
- Exceed your training or knowledge when attempting to render first aid.
- Drive yourself to the hospital if you have severe chest pain or severe bleeding, if you think you might faint, or if your vision is impaired.
Medical Emergency Phone Numbers
| Country | Service Name | Telephone Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | National Emergency Service | 911 | Call anytime |
| Canada | National Emergency Service | 911 | Call anytime if a life is in danger or a crime is in progress. |
| United Kingdom | National Emergency Service | 999 | Call for medical or mental health emergencies where someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. |
| Ireland | Medical Emergency | 112 | Call 112 in a medical emergency when someone is seriously ill, injured or at risk of dying |
| Australia | National Emergency Service | 000 | Call for ambulance, police or fire services in an emergency. Only call triple zero (000) if the situation is serious and urgent. |
| New Zealand | National Emergency Service | 111 | Call from any phone if you need medical help in an emergency. |
| South Africa | Ambulance | 10177 | This number can be used in the case of a medical emergency and can be called in conjunction with both the fire and police department respectively, depending on whether or not there are casualties. Cell phone emergency - 112 Call 112 from any cell phone in South Africa. You will then reach a call centre and they will route you to an emergency service closest to you. |