Choking
- If they can breathe and cough, encourage them to cough.
- If they cannot breathe, give 5 back blows. If that does not work, do the Heimlich manoeuvre: your fist below the lower end of the breastbone, under the ribs, held with your other hand, and pull in hard and repeatedly until the object comes out or they lose consciousness.
- If they become unconscious, CPR. And call 112.
Heart attack
Pressure in the centre of the chest that may spread to the left arm, stomach or neck, with paleness and sweating. No exertion, rest in the most comfortable position, and call 112.
Stroke
The mouth droops, they lose strength in an arm or leg, they struggle to speak or walk. Stay with them and call 112.
Seizures
Sudden, repeated movements, with no awareness of what is going on around them. Move objects away so they do not hurt themselves and never put anything in their mouth. They usually last less than 1 minute. When they stop, recovery position until help arrives. Call 112.
Severe allergic reaction and low blood sugar
- A severe allergy (anaphylaxis) can cause difficulty breathing, dizziness and loss of consciousness: call 112 and follow their instructions; if they become unconscious, recovery position.
- A person with diabetes who has hypoglycaemia may be pale, sweaty or behave strangely. If they are conscious and can swallow, give them juice, fruit or a biscuit. If unconscious: 112 and recovery position.
In practiceIn the staff canteen, a colleague grabs his throat and cannot speak or cough. You give
5 blows between his shoulder blades; nothing comes out. You stand behind him and do the Heimlich manoeuvre while someone else calls
112.