Check, Call, Care: The First Aid Formula That Saves Lives

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/

A Red Cross-aligned guide to recognizing and responding to medical emergencies with clarity and confidence

In a real emergency, adrenaline kicks in. You may feel frozen or overwhelmed—but a simple, proven three-step approach helps cut through the chaos:

🟥 Check
🟧 Call
🟩 Care

This method, taught by the Canadian Red Cross, provides a clear framework that anyone—whether trained in basic or advanced first aid—can follow. At Delta Emergency Support Training, we use this model to help our learners build real-world readiness in life’s most urgent moments.

Let’s break down each step, including when and how to act, what to say to 911, and how to begin providing lifesaving care.

🔴 STEP 1: CHECK

Scene Safety Comes First—Always

Before you rush in to help, pause and assess the scene. Why? Because your safety matters, too.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the scene safe for me?

  • What hazards might be present? (e.g., live wires, traffic, aggressive individuals, hazardous materials)

  • What happened here? Can I tell how the person got injured?

  • Are there other people hurt? Do I need more help?

You can't help anyone if you become the second victim. Scene safety isn't optional—it’s essential.

Example: If someone has collapsed on the sidewalk near a construction site, your first thought might be “Help them!” But first, ask: Could there be falling debris? Is it safe to approach?

Check the Person

Once the scene is safe, approach the person from the side and check for responsiveness.

Start by speaking to them:

  • “Hi, can you hear me?”

  • “My name is ____. I’m trained in first aid. I’m here to help.”

No response? Try physical stimulation:

  • Tap them firmly on the shoulder and ask, “Are you okay?”

If they do not respond to voice or touch, they are unconscious.

At this point, it's time to move to step two: CALL 911.

🟧 STEP 2: CALL

Calling for Help: Alone or With Others

Your next move depends on your situation.

  • If you’re alone:

    • For an unresponsive person, call 911 immediately before starting care.

    • If you don’t have a phone and you can safely move the person, take them with you. If not, leave briefly to call for help.

  • If someone is with you:

    • Assign them directly: “You, in the blue shirt—call 911 now and come back to tell me what they say.”

This direct command avoids the bystander effect and ensures help is on the way.

What to Tell the Dispatcher

Stay calm and provide the following:

  1. Your exact location (address, landmarks, GPS if possible)

  2. What happened (e.g., “A person collapsed and is unresponsive.”)

  3. The condition of the person (conscious? breathing?)

  4. Any care you are providing (e.g., “I’m starting CPR.”)

  5. Your phone number in case the call drops

Follow their instructions and do not hang up until told to.

🟩 STEP 3: CARE

Now it’s time to help.

Check ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Kneel beside the person. Begin your primary assessment:

🔹 Airway

  • If the person is unresponsive, assume their airway could be blocked.

  • Perform a head-tilt, chin-lift:

    • Place one hand on the forehead, two fingers under the chin, and gently tilt the head back.

    • This opens the airway unless a spinal injury is suspected.

🔹 Breathing

  • Place your ear close to their mouth and nose, facing their feet.

  • Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.

  • Check for 5 to 10 seconds.

If they are not breathing normally, prepare to begin CPR.

🔹 Circulation

  • As you check breathing, scan the body for major bleeding.

  • Look under the body if safe to do so.

  • Severe, visible bleeding must be addressed immediately—use direct pressure with gloved hands or a clean dressing.

Provide Appropriate Care Based on the Assessment

Depending on what you discover:

  • If unresponsive and not breathing:
    Start CPR (30 compressions, 2 breaths) immediately.

  • If unresponsive but breathing normally:
    Place the person in the recovery position to keep their airway clear and continue to monitor them.

  • If responsive and bleeding heavily:
    Apply direct pressure, use a dressing if available, and keep them calm and still.

  • If a spinal injury is suspected:
    Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger. Support their head and neck in the position foundand wait for EMS.

🔁 Continue to Monitor and Support

Stay with the person until EMS arrives. Provide emotional support if they’re conscious. If their condition changes, recheck ABCs and adjust your care.

🧠 Final Thoughts

"Check, Call, Care" isn’t just a slogan—it’s a lifesaving sequence that gives ordinary people the power to respond to emergencies with clarity and confidence.

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we teach this model as the foundation of all our Red Cross-aligned courses—from Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C to Advanced First Aid / EMR.

📣 Take Action

🩺 Ready to learn more than just theory?
🧰 Want real skills from experienced paramedics and certified Red Cross instructors?

Enroll in a Standard First Aid course with Delta Emergency Support Training and be prepared to step up—safely, smartly, and confidently.