When an emergency happens, the first few minutes can feel chaotic. Someone collapses, a person is bleeding heavily, a child starts choking or a family member suddenly develops slurred speech, and suddenly, everyone is looking for someone who knows what to do. But basic first aid does not require a medical degree. Knowing a few crucial steps, and avoiding dangerous ones, can make a meaningful difference while an ambulance is on its way. “The first step is always to call an ambulance and follow the instructions given by the emergency operator,” says Dr Tabraez B. T., Consultant, Emergency Medicine, Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bengaluru. “When an emergency happens, staying calm and acting quickly can save a life.” Are they responding and breathing? Approach the person safely, call their name if you know it and gently tap their shoulder to check whether they respond. If they are unconscious and not breathing normally, call for an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available and begin CPR, following the emergency operator's instructions. An AED is designed to guide a bystander through the process. Once switched on, the device gives spoken instructions about placing its pads on the person's bare chest and analysing the heart rhythm. It will only deliver a shock when appropriate. “If someone is unconscious and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately,” Dr. Tabraez advises. The situation is different if the person is unconscious but breathing normally. In that case, gently place them in the recovery position, turning them onto their side to help keep the airway open and reduce the risk of choking on vomit or saliva. Continue monitoring their breathing until help arrives. If a serious neck or spinal injury is suspected, avoid moving them unless it is necessary to maintain breathing or escape immediate danger. For severe bleeding, one of the most useful things a bystander can do is apply firm, continuous pressure directly over the wound using clean cloth or gauze. The important word is continuous. Do not repeatedly lift the dressing to check whether the bleeding has stopped. “If the cloth becomes soaked, place another one on top rather than removing the first,” says Dr Tabraez. Keep applying pressure while waiting for emergency medical assistance. A sudden change in someone's speech, movement or vision can signal a stroke, and recognising it quickly matters. B — Balance: sudden difficulty walking or loss of balance E — Eyes: sudden vision changes or loss of vision One detail is particularly valuable for the medical team: remember the exact time the person was last known to be well. If a choking person can cough effectively, encourage them to keep coughing. If they cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively, Dr. Tabraez recommends alternating five back blows with five abdominal thrusts until the obstruction clears or the person becomes unconscious. “If they become unconscious, start CPR immediately and follow the emergency operator's instructions,” he says. Children and infants require age-appropriate choking techniques, so callers should follow the emergency operator's guidance rather than improvising. A seizure can look frightening, but trying to physically restrain the person can cause injury. Instead, move nearby hard or dangerous objects away and protect their head from injury. Do not hold them down and never put anything in their mouth. Once the seizure ends, check whether they are breathing and place them on their side if appropriate. For a burn, cool the affected area under cool running water for about 20 minutes. Avoid applying toothpaste, butter or oil. After a serious accident, unnecessary movement should also be avoided, particularly when a neck or back injury is possible. And there is one often-overlooked rule: do not give food, water or medicines by mouth to someone who is semi-conscious, drowsy or unconscious. They may choke or aspirate it into their lungs.