Call 911 now.
Put the phone on speaker so you can keep helping. The dispatcher can talk you through what to do.
Call 911Do this now
- Tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you OK?”
- Call 911 if they don’t respond. Put the phone on speaker.
- Check breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is not normal breathing.
- Not breathing normally? Start CPR — push hard and fast in the center of the chest — and send someone for an AED.
- Breathing normally? Roll them onto their side so they don’t choke, and stay with them.
Call 911 if:
- The person won’t wake up or respond normally — call even if they are breathing
Placing someone on their side (recovery position)
If the person is breathing normally but won’t wake up, roll them onto their side with the top knee bent to keep them from rolling onto their face. Tilt their head back slightly so the airway stays open. This lets vomit or fluid drain from the mouth. If you think they hurt their head, neck, or back, don’t move them unless they are vomiting or in danger.
While you wait for help
- Keep checking their breathing. If it stops or becomes gasping, start CPR.
- Look for a medical ID bracelet or necklace.
- If you think it may be an opioid overdose and you have naloxone (Narcan), give it. See overdose.
- Don’t leave them alone, and don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
Possible causes
Cardiac arrest, choking, an overdose, a seizure, a stroke, low blood sugar, a head injury, heat stroke, or severe hypothermia can all cause someone to collapse. You don’t need to know the cause — call 911 and follow the steps above.