In an emergency always call 112. These notes are a basic reminder and do not replace a first-aid course or the intervention of rescuers. Always follow the 112 operator’s instructions.
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference. Here are essential pointers for the most common emergencies. To gain real skills, take a first-aid and BLSD course with the Misericordia.
Golden rules
- Stay calm and make the scene safe for you and the casualty (traffic, electricity, gas).
- Call 112: say where you are, what happened, how many people and their condition. Don’t hang up until told to.
- Do not move the person unless in immediate danger, especially after trauma.
- Stay with them and keep talking until help arrives.
Common emergencies
- Cardiac arrest (no response, not breathing): call 112, ask for a defibrillator (AED), start chest compressions in the centre of the chest, hard and fast (100–120/min). If trained, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths; if not, compressions only. Follow the AED’s voice prompts.
- Choking (cannot breathe, speak or cough): call 112 straight away (or have someone call), then give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades and 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich); alternate until cleared, and never sweep blindly with your fingers. If they collapse, start compressions, and call 112 if nobody has yet.
- Fainting: lay the person down and raise their legs; if they don’t recover quickly, call 112.
- Severe bleeding: press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth; don’t remove it if soaked — add another on top; call 112 for heavy bleeding.
- Burn: cool under running cool water for at least 20 minutes; don’t apply ice, oil or creams; cover with a clean cloth; call 112 if extensive or deep.
- Heatstroke: move to shade/cool place, cool the body, give small sips of water if conscious; call 112 if confused or unconscious.
Want to be truly ready? We run First Aid, BLSD and paediatric-BLSD courses open to citizens: call +39 348 4068657.
