What should I do in an emergency?

Stay calm. Pick the problem. Start with the next right step.

If you are not sure where to start, choose the closest match below. You will find simple bystander steps, useful videos, and photos of tools like AEDs, NARCAN, epinephrine auto-injectors, and bleeding kits.

Open the guide

In a true emergency, dial 911 from your phone and follow the dispatcher.

Emergency reminder: If someone is unconscious, not breathing normally, having chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, trouble breathing, or a life-threatening allergic reaction, call 911 now. This guide is for general education and does not replace dispatcher instructions, medical advice, or hands-on training.

Choose a situation

Tap an emergency card.

Choose the card that is closest to what is happening. The steps are for bystanders waiting for EMS. If the dispatcher tells you something different, follow the dispatcher.

What the tools look like

Common emergency tools you may see in public or at home.

These photos can help you recognize the equipment. Brands and designs vary, so read the label and follow the device prompts or dispatcher instructions.

A public automated external defibrillator mounted indoors
AED

Public automated external defibrillator

Turns on with a button or lid, talks you through pad placement, checks the rhythm, and only advises a shock when appropriate.

AED cabinet with a red AED sign above it
AED cabinet

Wall cabinet and AED sign

Often found near gyms, schools, airports, town offices, marinas, and workplaces. Send a specific person to retrieve it.

Professional monitor defibrillator used by EMS
EMS tool

Monitor/defibrillator

Used by trained EMS and hospital teams. It can monitor heart rhythm, pace, cardiovert, and defibrillate in manual or AED modes.

AED training pads placed on a CPR manikin
AED pads

Adult and pediatric pads

Pad pictures show where they go. Adult pads are common; child pads or a child key may be included for smaller children.

NARCAN naloxone nasal spray box and device
NARCAN

Naloxone nasal spray

Single-use spray for suspected opioid overdose. Give it, call 911, support breathing, and be ready for another dose if needed.

Epinephrine auto-injector device
Epinephrine

Auto-injector

Used for severe allergic reaction. Presses into the outer thigh according to the device label, then the person still needs EMS.

Aspirin tablets
Aspirin

Chewable aspirin

Sometimes used for suspected heart attack after 911 is called, but only when safe and recommended by a dispatcher or clinician.

Emergency bleed control kit mounted in a public cabinet
Bleeding kit

Stop the Bleed kit

Usually includes gloves, gauze, pressure dressings, trauma shears, and sometimes a tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding.

Black CAT commercial tourniquet
Tourniquet

Commercial tourniquet

For severe arm or leg bleeding that cannot be controlled quickly. Tighten until bleeding stops and do not remove it.

CPR pocket mask for rescue breathing
Barrier

CPR mask or face shield

Creates a barrier for rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR is still helpful for adults if you do not have a barrier or are not trained.

Disposable nitrile glove
PPE

Gloves and eye protection

Protects you from blood and body fluids. Use them when available, but do not let searching for gloves delay 911.

Foil emergency blanket
Comfort

Emergency blanket

Helps keep someone warm after injury, shock, water exposure, or while waiting outside for responders.

Guidance and videos

Useful official links.

These are good references to save. Hands-on practice is still the best way to learn the skills.

AHA Hands-Only CPR Red Cross AED Steps Stop the Bleed Videos NARCAN How To Use EpiPen How To Use Poison Help
Emergency guide sources and photo credits