When It Counts: Responding to Emergencies

Any three: unresponsive or not breathing normally; trouble breathing not relieved by an inhaler; possible head, neck or back injury or concussion red flags; signs of shock or severe bleeding; severe allergic reaction.

Coughing, wheezing, tight chest, shortness of breath, trouble speaking in full sentences (any four).

Stop activity right away, not be left alone, tell an adult, no return that day, and get a medical assessment. Call 911 for red flags.

Moving them could worsen the injury to the spinal cord and cause permanent damage. Keep them still unless they are in danger.

Any four: pale, cool, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; fast breathing; restlessness or confusion; thirst; nausea.

A person who is unresponsive but breathing normally and has no suspected head, neck or spine injury.

In a group, people often assume someone else will call. Giving a specific job to a specific person makes sure it gets done.

Check, Call, Care.

Their own reliever inhaler.

No. Give nothing to eat or drink.

Concussion safety in Ontario sport (removal from and return to sport).

The top knee.

For example: "A 15-year-old boy collapsed on the soccer field at Riverside Park, at Main Street and River Road. He's not responding. We're checking his breathing and someone is getting the AED from the field house." Then answer questions and don't hang up.

Being slow to answer is a concussion sign. She must stop playing right away, be watched by an adult, not return that day, and get a medical assessment. Many concussions don't involve losing consciousness, and playing on risks a more serious injury.

Shock reduces blood flow, so the body has trouble keeping warm. Keeping them warm helps prevent heat loss while you wait for help.

A calm helper reassures the person, which can lower their panic (important for asthma and shock). It also helps the helper think clearly, give clear information and follow instructions.

Usually no. A high fall may have caused a spine injury, so keep them still in the position found and call 911. Only move them if their airway is blocked (for example, vomiting) or they're in danger, and then as gently as possible, keeping head and neck in line.

Alert the lifeguard right away if they don't already know, and follow their directions. Offer to call 911 or to keep the crowd back, bring towels to keep the person warm, and stay calm. Don't take over from the trained lifeguard; supporting them is the most helpful role.

For example: field address and nearest intersection, 911, location of the nearest AED, coach and parent phone numbers, list of players with asthma or allergies and where their medication is, concussion signs and red flags, recovery position steps, and the Check, Call, Care sequence.

Teens are often first on the scene at parks, rinks, trails and games, sometimes without an adult. Knowing when to call 911, how to stay calm and basic care can save lives in the minutes before professionals arrive. It's also part of taking responsibility for the safety of others (A3).