What To Do in the First 5 Minutes of an Emergency
When an emergency happens, the first five minutes are the most critical.
Your actions in those moments can mean the difference between life and death — long before an ambulance arrives.
This guide gives you clear, simple steps anyone can follow to stay calm, take action, and save a life.
⭐ Step 1: Check for Danger (DRS ABCD)
Your safety comes FIRST.
Look for:
Traffic
Fire or smoke
Electricity
Weapons
Water hazards
Aggressive behaviour
If it’s unsafe, DO NOT approach.
Keep others away and call Triple Zero (000).
⭐ Step 2: Check for Response
Tap the person on the collarbone or shoulder and ask loudly:
“Can you hear me? Open your eyes.”
If there’s no response, you must act fast.
⭐ Step 3: Call 000 Immediately
Calling early saves lives.
Tell the operator:
What happened
Exact location (street, park, business, beach)
The person’s condition
What help is needed
Put your phone on speaker mode so you can continue helping.
⭐ Step 4: Open Airway
Tilt the head back and lift the chin.
Check for:
Normal breathing
Chest rise
Air movement
Sounds of gasping or snoring (not normal breathing)
If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR.
⭐ Step 5: Start CPR (If Not Breathing Normally)
Start chest compressions in the centre of the chest.
CPR Steps:
Push hard and fast
Rate: 100–120 per minute
Depth: 1/3 of the chest
Keep your arms straight
Allow full chest recoil
If you’ve been trained, add rescue breaths:
30 compressions → 2 breaths → repeat.
If you’re NOT trained or not comfortable →
Hands-only CPR is still life-saving.
⭐ Step 6: Use an AED (Defibrillator) ASAP
AEDs are found in:
Shopping centres
Schools
Gyms
Sporting clubs
Workplaces
Council buildings
Open it, follow the voice prompts, and let it guide you.
You cannot shock someone accidentally — AEDs won’t deliver a shock unless needed.
This step can restart the heart.
⭐ Step 7: Monitor Until Help Arrives
If the person starts breathing:
Place them in the recovery position
Keep them warm
Stay with them
Continue to follow 000 operator instructions
If they stop breathing again — restart CPR.
⭐ Why These First 5 Minutes Matter
WA Ambulance response times vary by location, traffic, and distance.
Your actions provide:
✔ Oxygen
✔ Blood flow
✔ Brain protection
✔ A chance to survive
Without CPR, survival falls 10% every minute.
With CPR and an AED, survival can triple.
⭐ Learn These Skills Properly — With Hands-On Training
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach practical, real-life emergency skills in small classes so you feel confident to act when it matters.
Our nationally recognised courses include:
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid
⭐ Ready to Get the Skills That Save Lives?
Courses run every second Saturday — small classes, hands-on practice, friendly trainers.