General emergency guidance — not a personal medical record.
If there is immediate danger, severe trouble breathing, unresponsiveness, a serious injury, or you are unsure whether the situation is life-threatening, call 911 now and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
General Support
Check
- Check the scene for danger before approaching.
- Introduce yourself, ask permission when possible, and check responsiveness and breathing.
- Look for a CareID, medical bracelet, wallet card, phone Medical ID, or caregiver contact.
Call
- Call 911 for unresponsiveness, abnormal or absent breathing, severe bleeding, serious injury, severe allergic reaction, seizure lasting over 5 minutes, stroke signs, chest pain, or any situation that may be life-threatening.
- Put the phone on speaker and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Care
- Give only the care you are trained and permitted to provide.
- Do not move the person unless there is immediate danger.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication to a person who is not fully alert or cannot swallow safely.
- Stay with the person, protect their privacy, and tell responders what you observed.
Source: American Red Cross — Check, Call, Care.
Important
- Look for a medical ID, emergency card, phone Medical ID, or caregiver contact.
- Do not assume this page describes the person’s diagnosis, medicines, allergies, or personal care plan.
- Do not give medicine, food, or drink unless the person’s own plan or emergency professionals direct you and it is safe to do so.
- Stay with the person when it is safe, protect their privacy, and give responders the time symptoms began and what you observed.
CareID Alert provides general educational guidance only. It does not replace 911, professional medical advice, or a person-specific emergency plan.