What do I do if…?
Short, clear answers for the moment you need them: what to do right now, and when to get help.
If someone may die or be seriously hurt, call 911. For thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. See Crisis Support for more lines.
Emergencies
Call 911 first, then follow these steps while you wait.
What do I do if someone isn’t breathing?
Call 911 and start CPR right away. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, and use an AED as soon as one arrives.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone is choking?
If they can’t cough, speak, or breathe, give 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out. For babies, use back blows and chest thrusts.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone collapsed or won’t wake up?
Check if they respond and are breathing. If not, call 911 and start CPR. If they are breathing, call 911 and turn them on their side.
See what to doWhat do I do if I think someone is having a heart attack?
Call 911 right away — don’t drive yourself or wait to see if it goes away. Every minute matters.
See what to doWhat do I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
Use BE FAST to spot the signs: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Call 911 right away — fast treatment can save the brain.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone is bleeding heavily?
Call 911, then press hard on the wound and don’t let up. Use a tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg if you have one.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone is having a severe allergic reaction?
Use their epinephrine (like an EpiPen) right away and call 911. Don’t wait to see if it gets better — anaphylaxis can be deadly within minutes.
See what to doWhat do I do if I think someone overdosed?
Call 911, give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it, and help them breathe. Stay with them until help arrives.
See what to doHealth, injuries & feelings
What to do right now, and how to tell when it’s time to get help.
What do I do if I need help right now?
Find the fastest way to get the right help — 911, the 988 crisis line, Poison Help, the domestic violence hotline, or care near you.
See what to doWhat do I do if I’m thinking about suicide?
You are not alone, and help is available right now. Call or text 988 to talk with someone who cares — it’s free, private, and open 24/7.
See what to doWhat do I do if I’m having a panic attack?
Panic attacks feel frightening but pass, usually peaking within about 10 minutes. Slow your breathing and ground yourself.
See what to doWhat do I do if I got injured?
Take a breath, check for danger signs, and find the right first aid for your injury. Call 911 for anything serious.
See what to doWhat do I do if I feel sick?
Most minor illnesses get better with rest and fluids. Know the warning signs that mean you should get care right away.
See what to doWhat do I do if my child has a fever?
Most fevers in children are not dangerous. How your child acts matters more than the number — but any fever in a baby under 3 months needs a doctor right away.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone is having a seizure?
Stay with them, keep them safe, and time the seizure. Turn them on their side and never put anything in their mouth. Call 911 if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
See what to doWhat do I do if I got burned?
Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, remove tight items, and cover it loosely. Call 911 for large, deep, or serious burns.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone fainted?
Most fainting is brief and not serious, but treat it as an emergency until the person recovers. Lay them down, raise their legs, and check their breathing.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone swallowed something poisonous?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away — it’s free and open 24/7. Call 911 if the person is very sleepy, having trouble breathing, or having a seizure.
See what to doWhat do I do if I don’t feel safe at home?
You deserve to be safe. Free, confidential help is available 24/7. Call 911 if you’re in danger right now.
See what to doWhat do I do if someone hit their head?
Most head bumps are minor, but watch closely for danger signs over the next day. Call 911 if they pass out, vomit repeatedly, or get confused.
See what to doTry a simpler word, like “burn” or “fever”. If someone is in danger right now, call 911. For emotional support, see Crisis Support.