The set of action steps most commonly taught to help you remember what to do during an emergency is: Check – Call – Care.

Quick Scoop

When something scary or chaotic happens, your brain can freeze. A simple three-step script gives you something clear to follow so you can still act.

1. CHECK

  • Check the scene first: is it safe for you to approach (no fire, traffic, downed wires, violent situation)?
  • Check the person : are they conscious, breathing, bleeding heavily, or in obvious distress?
  • Example: You see someone collapse at a store, you quickly scan for hazards, then look for breathing and major bleeding.

2. CALL

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number as soon as you identify a real emergency.
  • If others are around, point to one person and tell them specifically: “You in the blue shirt, call 911 now,” so no one assumes someone else will do it.
  • Be ready to say where you are, what happened, and what you see (age, breathing, bleeding, consciousness).

3. CARE

  • Give the care you are trained to give while you wait for help: CPR, using an AED, controlling bleeding, helping them lie still and warm, or basic first aid.
  • Follow any instructions from the emergency dispatcher; they can guide you step by step over the phone.
  • Example: For suspected cardiac arrest, they may walk you through hands-only CPR until responders arrive.

Why this 3-step set works

  • It is short and easy to remember under stress.
  • It keeps you from rushing in and getting hurt yourself (Check), wasting time (Call), or forgetting to help the person in front of you (Care).

TL;DR: In most emergencies, remember: Check the scene and person, Call for help, Care for them until professionals arrive.