By Dr. Laura Hays, MD, FACEP
There you are, strolling the aisle at your local grocery store when you turn the corner and see someone clutching their chest, gasping for breath, and dripping in sweat. Your pulse jumps up, and you sprint to help…but what do you do next?
Emergencies happen when we least expect them, and it’s easy to feel paralyzed by uncertainty in those critical moments. No one expects you to be a hero, but having the knowledge and confidence to take action could save a life. As an emergency physician, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right response in those first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Whether at home, work, or out in public, knowing what to do in an emergency is a skill everyone can have. Here’s what you need to know.
Recognizing the Signs of a Medical Emergency
One of the biggest hurdles people face is determining whether what they’re seeing is truly a medical emergency. Sometimes, symptoms are subtle, or the situation unfolds gradually. Other times, it’s obvious something is seriously wrong. Here are key signs that indicate the need for immediate medical attention:
Difficulty breathing: If someone is gasping for air, wheezing, or turning blue, they may have a serious respiratory problem. Choking, asthma attacks, severe allergic reactions, or even heart conditions can lead to breathing issues. In any case, difficulty breathing always warrants immediate attention.
Chest pain: While not every chest pain means a heart attack, sudden or severe chest pain—especially when combined with symptoms like sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea—should never be ignored. Heart attacks can present in different ways, and it’s better to act quickly than to wait and see.
Severe bleeding or trauma: If someone has a deep cut, is bleeding heavily, or has sustained visible trauma (such as a fall from a height or a car accident), immediate action is necessary. Severe bleeding, in particular, requires fast intervention to prevent shock or death. In these cases, it’s important to apply continuous pressure to stop the bleeding and seek help immediately.
Seizures: If someone has a seizure, especially if it’s their first one, or if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, emergency medical attention is required. Keep the person safe during the seizure and stay with them until help arrives. What do I mean by “keep the person safe”? If they are on an elevated surface, take action to prevent them from falling off. If you can, roll them onto their side and never stick objects (or your fingers) into the person’s mouth.*
Stroke symptoms: Time is critical during a stroke.
The key signs are summarized in the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:
- Balance issues
- Eye (vision) changes
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty, and
- Time to call 911.
If you notice any of these symptoms, act immediately.
Immediate Actions You Can Take
When faced with a medical emergency, the best course of action is often simple: remain calm, assess the situation, and take the following steps:
Call 911: In any medical emergency, calling for professional help is the top priority. Provide the dispatcher with clear information about the person’s condition and your location. Dispatchers may also walk you through some first aid.
Assess the situation: Is the person responsive? Are they breathing? Is there visible bleeding or other trauma? This information helps you determine the best course of action while waiting for emergency responders.
Perform CPR if needed: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately. Performing chest compressions while waiting for help can be lifesaving, especially in cases of cardiac arrest. If you’re unsure of your technique, remember that any CPR is better than none.
Use an AED if available: Many public places now have on-site automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These devices are designed to be user-friendly and guide you through the steps to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest potentially.
First Aid Essentials Everyone Should Know
While formal first-aid training is ideal, here are a few basic principles to keep in
mind:
Control bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to slow or stop bleeding. If the blood soaks through the cloth, don’t remove it—add another layer on top. Also, do not remove any objects lodged in the wound—leave that step to the medical professionals.
Treating burns: For minor burns, cool the area under lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes. If on the arms, remove rings or tight jewelry (unless they are stuck to the burn). For severe burns, cover the area with a clean cloth and AVOID applying ointments or butter.
Dealing with choking: The Heimlich maneuver is essential for someone who is choking. If the person can’t speak or breathe, abdominal thrusts may help dislodge the object.
Check out the resources below, including a great review by the Mayo Clinic on tips and techniques for infants, children, and adults.
Positioning for fainting: If someone faints, try to lay them flat on their back and elevate their legs to help blood flow to the brain.
The Importance of Learning First Aid and CPR
While it’s impossible to predict when an emergency will occur, being prepared can help you respond quickly and effectively. One of the most important things to remember in a medical emergency is that doing something is almost always better than doing nothing. While you may not have all the answers or feel fully confident, taking even small steps can make a huge difference.
Studies show that bystanders who intervene, even before professional help arrives, can dramatically improve the chances of survival, especially in cases of cardiac arrest, choking, or trauma. CPR and the use of an AED by a bystander can double or triple the survival rates for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
Emergencies happen when we least expect them. Learning basic first aid and CPR can equip you with the confidence and skills to act in critical situations. Many organizations, like the Red Cross and the American Heart Association, offer certification courses in first aid and CPR, which could help you to feel more confident in these situations. And, you might just save a life!*
Finally, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. If you have doubts about a person’s condition, it’s “better to be safe than sorry”. Call 911 or seek immediate medical help. Remember, your actions in those first few moments could make all the difference.
Resources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/first-aid-for-seizures/index.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-choking/basics/art-20056637
- https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training/first-aid-classes
Dr. Laura Hays is an emergency physician with MEMA and co-founder of Lasting Impact Wellness Group – a health & well-being coaching and consulting company.
Check out her website at www.lastingimpactwellness.com and tune in to her podcast
“Lasting Impact Wellness” for more valuable insight and tips for optimal well-being.
Spotify: Spotify Podcast
Apple: Apple Podcast