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EMERGENCY HELP

If your friend is unconscious, having trouble breathing, seriously confused or disorientated, this is an EMERGENCY and you should always send for medical help (call 999). 

Before help arrives make sure your friend is safe, as well as anyone else who's around

If your friend is unconscious call 999 and:

  • Check their ABC:
    • AIRWAY:  Can they breathe? - check there's nothing in the mouth to stop them.  If there is, remove it.
    • BREATHING:  Are they breathing?
    • CIRCULATION:  Do they have a pulse or heartbeat?
  • If they're not breathing and have no pulse, give CPR if you know how
  • If they're not breathing, but have a pulse, give the kiss of life (mouth-to-mouth resusitation) if you can
  • If they are breathing put them in the recovery position – lying on their side with one knee out and their hands supporting their head, this stops them rolling onto their backs and choking on their own vomit

  • Don't move your friend if they've had a fall - this could lead to spinal or other serious injury
  • Don't give them any food, drink or drugs
  • Don't try to make them sit or stand
  • Don't leave them unattended
  • Collect any drug sample if possible and any vomit (sick) for medical analysis (make sure you handle any drugs or drugs equipment with extreme care - if in doubt wait for ambulance staff)

If your friend is conscious:

  • Ask them what has happened and to identify any drugs or alcohol used
  • Collect any drug sample if possible and any vomit (sick) for medical analysis (make sure you handle any drugs or drugs equipment with extreme care - if in doubt wait for ambulance staff)
  • Do not make your friend be sick;
  • Keep a close eye on your friend and keep them warm and quiet

WHEN MEDICAL HELP ARRIVES:

Pass on any information available, including vomit (sick) and any drug samples.

PLEASE don't even think about whether you might get in trouble.  It's very unlikely and you'll feel a lot better knowing you might have saved someone's life.

ambulance

If you or your friend feels suicidal you can also call the Samaritans 24/7 who can support and advise you. They are on 08457 90 90 90 or click the link to the left.