In such case, it is important to ask the following questions: Are there any immediate dangers to you, the victim or others who may be standing around? What has caused the injury or illness to the victim? How many victims are there that need assistance?

Once you have decided it is safe for you to get involved, be sure to notify 997 before rendering any assistance. Be ready to provide the following information: The victim’s location, the phone number you are calling from, a brief description of the situation, the number of persons needing assistance (in case there is more than one victim), and the current condition of the victim (is he/she conscious and breathing?).

Your help will only be temporary and more definitive care needs to be given to the victim. It is important to be calm and accurate while providing the information.

Now ask yourself the following questions: Is the victim’s condition life threatening?

Could the condition become worse and life threatening?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you may be required to provide some level of care to improve the victim’s chance of survival. Life threatening injuries or illness may be any of the following:

• Fainting

• Chest pain or pressure

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Sudden severe pain

• Bleeding that is uncontrollable

• Foreign body obstructing the airway

• Cardiac arrest

• Altered level of consciousness (accompanied by a fever)

• Severe burns

• Poisoning

Often, the most critical life support measures are effective only if started immediately. Taking a CPR class or attending a first aid program can come in handy when dealing with a life-threatening situation.