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If someone needs immediate help with unconscious, breathing, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person who is not responding but is breathing normally.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Roll them on their side. Watch their breathing.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — They do not respond to tapping and shouting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Their chest is rising and falling normally.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If breathing becomes abnormal or stops — start chest compressions immediately.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An unconscious person who is breathing can choke on their own tongue, saliva, or vomit. Placing them on their side keeps their airway open.
Check the scene before you approach.
If you suspect a spinal injury (fall from height, vehicle accident), do not roll them unless they are vomiting.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check for safety hazards around you.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tap both shoulders and shout: "Can you hear me?"
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check breathing: Tilt head back, look at chest for 10 seconds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If breathing normally: Roll them onto their side with their top knee bent forward and their hand supporting their head (recovery position).
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not try to diagnose why they are unconscious. Keep their airway clear and wait for help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Any period of unconsciousness needs emergency medical evaluation even if the person wakes up.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give them anything to eat or drink.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT put them on their back — they could choke on vomit.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT leave them alone — keep watching their breathing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT try to hold them down if they start moving.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An unconscious person who is breathing is fine
Other scenarios in the same family.
Sudden collapse
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person who was standing or walking has suddenly fallen and is not moving or responding.
Not breathing
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person who is unresponsive and has stopped breathing or is breathing abnormally (gasping, gurgling).
Unconscious, not breathing
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. This is a cardiac arrest until proven otherwise.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if not already done.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — They can stop breathing at any moment or choke on vomit. They need continuous monitoring.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leaving them unmonitored can be fatal.