Sudden confusion

●Urgent

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Wandering into traffic
Falls
Aggressive behavior from confusion

Quick summary

Stay with them. Ask simple questions. Call 112 if sudden or worsening.

Do This Now

Step 1: Ask simple questions — name, where they are, what day it is
Step 2: Call 112 if confusion is sudden or getting worse
Step 3: Stay with them — do not leave alone
Step 4: Check for other signs — weakness, headache, fever

Do Not

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume they are drunk or faking it — sudden confusion is a medical sign.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT leave them alone — they may wander into danger.

❌

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink if they are very drowsy or having trouble swallowing.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Person suddenly confused. Not making sense. Started [when]."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mention if you found weakness on one side, fever, or head injury.

When Professional Care Is Needed

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sudden confusion that is new for this person needs same-day emergency evaluation — it may be stroke.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not diagnose the cause. Sudden confusion can be stroke, infection, low blood sugar, or drug reaction — all need medical evaluation.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

Learn more

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

Full guide and explanation →

Before you help

Before you help: Explain who you are and that you want to help them.

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 4

Call 112

Sudden confusion — Do This Now | AidNow