First Aid : What can you do in an emergency?

Even without medical knowledge, you can make a difference by staying calm, calling 112, making sure the emergency services can find you quickly and staying with the casualty until the emergency services arrive. 

In the event of a fire, accident or medical emergency, call the European emergency number 112. State clearly:  

• what has happened,
• where it is,
• how many casualties there are,
• and what help is needed.  

Stay on the phone until the emergency services say you may hang up.  

You can also Opens in new windowcall the emergency services using the 112 BE app. 

1. Consider your own safety

Before offering help, check whether you are in a safe situation yourself. In there is a fire, smoke or hazardous products, wait for the fire brigade to arrive.  

2. Check whether the casualty is conscious and breathing

• Speak to the casualty.
• Have they stopped breathing or are they breathing abnormally? Start resuscitation (CPR – see below).  

3. Start CPR (in adults)

• Call 112 or ask someone to do so.
• Start chest compressions: push firmly and quickly in the centre of the chest, about 100-120 times per minute.
• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available.  

Tip: Take a First Aid course to learn how to do this properly.  

4. Provide simple assistance.

• Reassure the casualty.
• Stop any bleeding with a clean cloth and by applying pressure.
• If anyone is having breathing problems, make sure they are sitting upright.
• Do not touch a seriously injured person unnecessarily.  

5. Help the emergency services find you quickly.

Make sure the emergency services can find you quickly. Ask someone to wait for them, or do so yourself if it is safe to do so. That way, no time will be lost and the firefighters and ambulance paramedics will be able to provide help immediately. 

Here are a few examples: 

• Keep the building door open for the emergency services.
• Go and wait for them on the street-side if the person who needs help is at the back of the building.
• Clearly show them where to go. 

Every second counts. Your help can save lives. 

Always have a small First Aid kit on hand, that includes:  

• sterile bandages
• disinfectant
• plasters
• disposable gloves
• a rescue blanket.