What is happening?

What to do

1. Help only if approaching is safe. With gas, chemicals or violence, call from a safe place.
2. Chest pain or significant breathing difficulty: get urgent medical help.
3. Fast breathing in a young child or older adult, palpitations, cold sweat or pallor: get medical help now. Unknown cause: do not assume panic.
4. Listen without arguing. Ask if this happened before and what helps. Support slow, regular breathing.
5. Listen without arguing. Ask if this happened before and what helps. If not their usual episode, request medical assessment.
6. If unresponsive: call emergency services. If breathing is abnormal, start CPR with dispatcher guidance.
7. If worsening, call emergency help now. Persistent or recurrent symptoms need medical assessment. Do not dismiss them.
8. Give location and symptoms. No phone or signal: ask someone to call from a safe place. Do not delay help to collect belongings.