Once you've called for help and confirmed the scene is safe, there's often more you can do than you'd expect, even without formal training.

For Someone Who Is Conscious

• Stay calm and speak reassuringly; your calm can reduce their panic
• Keep them still if you suspect a serious injury, especially to the head, neck, or back
• Ask simple questions (name, what happened) to keep them alert and to gather information for responders

For Uncontrolled Bleeding

• Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or your hand
• Don't remove an object that's embedded in a wound; apply pressure around it instead
• Keep applying pressure until help arrives, even if it takes a while

For Someone Who Isn't Breathing Normally

• If you're trained in CPR, begin chest compressions; a 911 dispatcher can talk you through it even if you're not
• If an AED is nearby and you suspect cardiac arrest, use it as soon as possible
• Don't stop until paramedics take over or the person starts breathing normally

For Someone Who Is Unconscious But Breathing

• If there's no suspected spinal injury, placing them on their side (the recovery position) helps keep their airway clear

What Not To Do

• Don't give food, water, or medication to someone who is seriously injured or unconscious
• Don't move someone with a suspected head, neck, or back injury unless leaving them where they are is more dangerous (such as a fire)

You don't need to be a paramedic to genuinely help. Staying calm, keeping someone safe, and not giving up before help arrives is often exactly what's needed.