In a medical emergency, the first five minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a heart attack, choking, or severe bleeding, swift action by a bystander can significantly improve the person’s chance of survival. These situations often unfold without warning, in homes, parks, or public spaces, turning an ordinary day with family or friend into a race against time.
What is a medical emergency?
A medical emergency is any sudden situation where a person’s health or life is at immediate risk, requiring urgent intervention to prevent serious harm or death. This includes heart attacks, strokes, choking or allergic reactions. In these critical situations, every second matters, and swift, decisive action can make all the difference.
EXPERT INSIGHT
According to Anthony from the Australian Red Cross’s First Aid and Mental Health team, bystander intervention can make a life-saving difference in a wide range of emergencies, including:
- Heart-related emergencies such as heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest
- Breathing difficulties caused by choking, asthma attacks, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Common medical problems including strokes, diabetic emergencies, and seizures (such as in epilepsy)
- Trauma-related injuries involving severe bleeding or serious musculoskeletal damage
- Environmental emergencies such as cold/heat-related illness and injury, poisoning, bites, and stings
In many of these cases, the actions taken in the first few minutes before professional help arrives can significantly affect the person’s chances of survival and recovery.
The power of the first five minutes
Both studies and real-life experiences show that prompt intervention in the first few minutes of a medical emergency can significantly improve survival rates. Whether you’re performing CPR, stop severe bleeding, or simply keeping victim calm, your actions during these critical moments can make all the difference.
Many people assume that only medical professionals can manage emergencies. But that’s not true. Here are some common myths debunked:
| Myth |
Fact |
| "I’m not a doctor, so I can’t help." |
Basic first aid is designed for everyone. Even simple actions, like calling for help, guiding someone through CPR, can be lifesaving. |
| "I should wait for emergency services to arrive before doing anything." |
Quick intervention, such as starting CPR or applying pressure to a wound, can stabilise the situation until medical help arrives. |
These misconceptions often cause hesitation. But in a real emergency, every second counts. Taking action, even when you’re unsure, can turn fear into a life-saving response.
EXPERT INSIGHT
There are many situations or personal conditions that can lead to a life-threatening emergency, and the first seconds and minutes are critical.
As human beings, we rely on oxygen and circulating blood to survive. Without this basic functioning, a person can quickly reach a point where no intervention, no matter how advanced, can reverse the damage.
These events often happen outside of a hospital setting, where immediate clinical help isn’t available. That’s why the assistance of a bystander or layperson becomes absolutely critical.
What a layperson does in the time before the ambulance or Emergency Medical Services arrive can mean the difference between life and death.
This where the Chain of Survival comes in. It is a series of key actions that, when performed in order, significantly improve the chances of survival. These include:
- Early recognition and calling for help
- Early CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Early advanced care
Each step builds on the one before it, and together, they can make all the difference in those first vital minutes.
The step-by-step guide to the critical first five minutes
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1. Stay calm and assess the situation
- Take a deep breath: Your calmness is crucial for making clear decisions.
- Ensure safety: Check your surroundings to make sure it’s safe for both you and the victim. If the environment is hazardous, move to a safer area if possible.
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2. Call for help immediately
- Dial emergency services: Emergency numbers vary. Make sure you know the right number for your area.
- Provide clear details: Briefly describe the situation, your location, and the victim’s condition.
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3. Initiate first aid
- Perform CPR if need: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. Hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) is highly effective for adults in cardiac arrest.
- Control bleeding: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply pressure on severe wounds. Knowing how to use a tourniquet can also be important.
- Monitor the victim: Keep a close eye on their responsiveness, and offer reassurance, calm words can help stabilise them.
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4. Keep the victim comfortable
- Position them appropriately: Lay the person down if it’s safe and appropriate. This can help with circulation and prevent further injury.
- Offer assurance: Let the victim know that help is on the way. Your supportive presence is as valuable as physical intervention.
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EXPERT TIP
“There may be dangers present. A person may be unresponsive, in pain, or not coherent. You might also notice visible injuries, or they may look or sound distressed,” says Anthony. “To better understand these signs and how to respond, we strongly recommend attending a local Red Cross first aid training.”
10 common medical emergencies
Here are 10 scenarios you might encounter:
Heart attack
Caused by a blockage in the heart’s blood supply, a heart attack is often signalled by chest pain, pressure or discomfort. While the heart continues to beat, immediate medical attention is needed to prevent further damage.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to sudden numbness, speech difficulties, or weakness, usually on one side of the body. Prompt treatment is critical to minimise brain damage.
Cardiac arrest
A life-threatening condition when the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off oxygen to the brain and organs. The person becomes unresponsive and stop breathing normally. Immediate CPR and defibrillation (AED) are essential to restore circulation.
Choking
Airway blockage can quickly lead to oxygen deprivation. The abdominal thrust is a critical intervention.
Anaphylaxis
This severe allergic reaction can impede breathing. Quick administration of epinephrine and urgent medical care are vital.
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can cause convulsions or temporary loss of consciousness. They can be alarming, but remember:
- Clear the area: Gently remove any objects near the victim that could cause injury.
- Protect the head: If possible, place something soft under their head to prevent injury.
- Time to seizure: Most seizures last only a few minutes; knowing the duration is important.
- Do not restrain: Avoid holding the person down or putting anything in their mouth. Once the seizure stops, check on them, offer assurance, and call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if the person is injured or has difficulty breathing.
Burns
For thermal burns, cool with running water for at least 20 minutes (if safe to do so) and avoid ice or cream. Chemical and electrical burns require immediate medical attention, even if the skin appears intact.
Severe bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding can quickly lead to shock and organ failure. Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to slow down blood loss. If bleeding doesn’t stop, keep applying pressure and seek medical help immediately.
Diabetic emergencies
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can cause confusion or fainting and need fast-acting sugar like juice or glucose tablets. Diabetic ketoacidosis (high blood sugar) is serious and needs urgent medical care.
Poisoning
Exposure to toxic substances demands swift action, such as contacting a poison control centre for immediate guidance.
How to communicate clearly in an emergency call
- State your location first. Emergency responders need to know where to send help before anything else. If the call drops, they can still find you.
- Stay calm and speak clearly. Take a deep breath and describe the situation without rushing.
- Be specific. Instead of saying, “Something is wrong,” say “A woman collapsed and is not breathing” or “A fire broke out on the third floor.”
- Use numbers. Saying “There’s a car accident with two injured people” is more helpful than “It’s a bad accident.”
- If unsure of the the exact location, look for landmarks. Street signs, buildings, or GPS can help responders find you faster.
- Describe victim’s condition. Are they conscious, breathing, bleeding heavily, or having trouble speaking.
EXPERT TIP
There are a few essential things to keep in mind when calling emergency services:
- Know emergency numbers for your location.
- Ensure your device can connect (for example, check if your mobile phone has signal or if another method is needed).
- When connected to an emergency operator, listen to their questions, and be prepared to provide them information about:
- Your location and access.
- Details about the person(s) you are helping, such as are they conscious or breathing.
Once connected, follow the operator’s instructions carefully. They are trained to guide you through life-saving steps while help is on the way.
In any medical emergency, the first five minutes are crucial. By understanding what constitutes an emergency, knowing how to assess and describe the victim’s condition, and mastering basic first aid techniques, you play an essential role in saving lives, whether for the public, or for a family member or friend. Every moment counts, and your actions in those first five minutes could be the vital link between crisis and recovery. Embrace the role of a first responder, because when you act quickly and confidently, you might just save a life.
Important note
Australian Red Cross collaborates and contributes to National peak and technical advisory bodies that inform our guidance.
We encourage individuals to always act within the emergency protocols, legal conditions, and available infrastructure of the location they are in.
For added support, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies offers a free
First Aid mobile application, which can be customised based on the user's location and the information provided. It's a practical tool to help guide immediate action in medical emergencies, wherever you may be.
This article has been written by Healthful For You and does not represent the opinions, views, or endorsements of the Expert Contributor of this article. The Expert Contributor has solely provided expert insights and tips for informational purposes. Any interpretations, conclusions, or statements beyond these contributions are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the expert contributor. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical, legal, or professional advice.
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