ADULT EMERGENCY HELP / U.S.
Cannot wake them?
Call 911 now.
Even if they appear to be breathing. Searching, checking further or waiting before calling delays emergency care.
Ask someone else to call while you help. Start the call immediately; do not wait for an answer before starting lifesaving care. Follow the dispatcher.
While help is being called: how are they breathing?
Check breathing briefly, for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping or irregular, noisy breathing is not normal breathing. A lay rescuer should not delay for a pulse check.
If unsure, tell the dispatcher immediately and follow their instructions. Do not wait for a drug name or an interaction result.
What if I’m afraid, impaired, or the scene is unsafe?
Fear of charges, feeling overwhelmed or being impaired can make calling difficult. These barriers are real; they do not make waiting medically safe. Move to safety and call. Ask a nearby capable person to call and help if you cannot. Do not approach a weapon or try to restrain anyone.
Good Samaritan laws may offer limited protections; they do not guarantee immunity or that police will not attend. Do not delay emergency care to research a law.
Read the legal source directory ↗Sources for these steps
- AHA: Adult basic life support (2025)
- Red Cross: Unresponsive and breathing
- CDC: Naloxone
- NHS: Poisoning first aid
Adult education. For a child or infant, tell the dispatcher their age and follow their instructions. Outside the U.S., call the local emergency number. Source check: October 17, 2026.