Correct behavior in an emergency: step-by-step first aid in nursing care

Right behaviour in an emergency - How to react quickly and save lives

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning - be it a traffic accident, a sudden heart attack or a medical emergency involving a loved one. In moments like these, every second counts. The right response can save lives and prevent serious damage. But what exactly should you do? How do you react correctly when someone's life is on the line?

In this article, I would like to explain to you in an understandable way how you can act quickly and effectively in emergencies. You will receive concrete step-by-step instructions, practical examples and helpful links to help you stay calm and take the right action in any situation. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - any help you provide is valuable.

Paramedic caring for elderly man after a car accident

Basic rules for correct behavior in an emergency

In any emergency, it is important to follow basic steps:

Keep calm (take a deep breath, get an overview)
Secure the accident site (set up warning triangle, put on warning vest)
Notruf (144 in Austria, EU-wide 112) set off
Giving first aid

You are legally obliged to provide first aid, regardless of whether you know the person or not.

Place the emergency call correctly

Always call the rescue first if you are unsure what to do. You should answer the following 5 W questions clearly when calling for help:

What happened?
Where exactly is the emergency?
How many people are affected?
Which violations?
Who is calling?

Never hang up on your own - the control center will end the call. You can find more information on making the right emergency call at Red Cross Austria.

Do's and don'ts in an emergency

Selection criteria for caregivers: What families should look out for when choosing a caregiver

Don'ts:

Don't panic: Stay calm and structured.
Do not ignore: Looking away does not help - inactivity is even punishable by law.
No onlookers: Keep spectators away to prevent further accidents.
Don't rely on others: Take action yourself - and if in doubt, call 911 once too often.

Do's:

Trust yourself: You can help!
Take the lead: Clearly indicate other helpers.
Call for help, keep calm, talk to the person concerned.

The right behavior in an emergency is the be-all and end-all

Ambulance with flashing lights in motion at night

While every emergency requires a different response, there are some basic rules that apply in every situation - whether it's a car accident or an allergic reaction.

In principle: You are obliged to provide assistance in any case. Regardless of whether you know the person concerned or come across an incident by chance - according to Austrian law (§ 95 StGB) you are obliged to provide first aid. And morally anyway.

With a little preparation and the knowledge of the right steps, you can keep calm in such moments and provide valuable help.

Frequent emergencies and measures

Woman experiences severe abdominal pain while sitting on bed

Unconsciousness

Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, blackness before the eyes or lack of reaction.

Example: Your grandfather complains of dizziness, suddenly loses consciousness and falls to the ground.

How to respond correctly:

Speak to him, check consciousness and breathing.
No reaction? → Dial 911 immediately (144).
Is the person breathing normally? → Stable lateral position.
Stay with the person until help arrives.

Choking

Causes: Swallowing of food, toys, or swelling due to allergy.

Example:Your aunt chokes while eating and gasps for air.

Measures:

Send an emergency call.
5 strong punches between the shoulder blades.
If unsuccessful: Home Maneuver apply.
Unconscious person → begin resuscitation.

Important: Never reach into your mouth if you cannot see the foreign object.

Insect bites with allergic reaction

Symptoms:Swelling of the face, shortness of breath, rash, circulatory problems.
Example: Your sister gets stung by a bee, immediately has trouble breathing.

Measures:

Remove the sting and cool the area.
In case of breathing difficulties: call 911 immediately!
If available: Use adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen).

Important: People with allergies should always have their emergency passport and allergy kit with them.

Heatstroke

Symptoms:High fever, red dry skin, confusion, no sweating.
Example: Your uncle works at over 35 °C in the garden and collapses.

Measures:

Put person in the shade.
Cool the body (damp cloths, fanning, loosening clothing).
If unconscious: recovery position.
In case of circulatory shock: shock position.
Send emergency call immediately.

Wounds and heavy bleeding

Example: Your child falls while playing and bleeds profusely from the leg.

Measures:

Elevate the injured body part.
Apply a sterile compress, apply a pressure bandage.
Does it continue to bleed? → Replace the bandage, do not remove it.
Make an emergency call if bleeding cannot be stopped.

Poisonings

Older man holding his chest in pain while sitting on sofa

Causes: Cleaning products, medicines, plants, alcohol.
Example: A relative accidentally takes the wrong pills.

Measures:

Call the poison control center (01/406 43 43) or emergency number (144).
Do not induce milk or vomiting!
Rinse mouth with water, if necessary. allow to drink some water.
Package ready for the rescue workers.

Overview table of important emergency numbers

Important emergency numbers in Austria

Emergency	Number	Notes
Rescue Austria	144	National emergency number for medical emergencies
Eurono emergency number	112	EU-wide emergency number
Poison control center	01/406 43 43	In case of suspected poisoning call immediately
Fire brigade	122	In case of fires and serious accidents
Police	133	For criminal offenses or accidents

Nora's Tip

Regular first aid course refreshers help you to react more safely in an emergency. On the noracares platform, you can also find caregivers who are specially trained to act professionally in an emergency and reliably assist your loved ones.

Graphic of Nurse Nora with a stethoscope around her neck and the text 'Nora's Conclusion' on a green banner. Closing remark or summary in the healthcare sector.

In an emergency, every second counts and the right reaction can make all the difference. Whether it's an injury, sudden collapse or medical emergency - simple measures can save lives. Always remember: every help counts. Don't hesitate to provide help. By regularly refreshing your knowledge, you will remain capable of acting and can save lives in an emergency. Trust in your skills - this gives you confidence and helps you to keep a cool head in critical moments. Keep yourself informed and become the person who saves lives in critical situations.

How do I recognize a medical emergency in the first place?
Typical signs are unconsciousness, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, severe pain or changes in behavior (e.g. confusion). If you are unsure: It is better to call the emergency services once too often than too little.

What happens if I do something wrong when helping?
Don't worry - nobody expects perfection. Every attempt to help counts! You are protected by the law as long as you help within your means.

Do I really have to help if I see an emergency?
Yes. In Austria, there is a legal obligation to provide first aid. Anyone who does not help, even though they could, is liable to prosecution (§ 95 StGB - failure to render assistance).

How often should I take a first aid course?
It is recommended that you take a refresher course every 3-5 years. It makes sense to regularly refresh your knowledge, especially if you have day-to-day care responsibilities.

May I remove the helmet of an unconscious person (e.g. motorcycle accident)?
Yes, if the person is unconscious and not breathing, you must remove the helmet to check breathing and administer first aid if necessary.

What do I say when I call the emergency services if I'm panicking?
Try to take a deep breath and concentrate on the 5 W questions (What? Where? How many? What injuries? Who is calling?). The control center will help you and stay on the phone with you.

5 W-questions: The most important information when making an emergency call:
What happened?
Where exactly did it happen?
How many people are affected?
What injuries/problems exist?
Who is calling?
Adrenalin: A hormone that is released in the body in stressful or dangerous situations. In emergency situations (e.g. allergic shock), it is used medically to improve breathing and stabilize circulation.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A wearable device that is used in the event of cardiac arrest to restore the heart to the correct rhythm by means of an electric shock. The application is explained step by step using the device's voice instructions - also suitable for non-professionals.
Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that can quickly become life-threatening. Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of the face and neck, skin rashes and circulatory problems. The EpiPen is the first measure.
EpiPen: An emergency medication (adrenaline autoinjector) used for severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock). It is usually injected into the thigh and helps to quickly alleviate life-threatening symptoms such as shortness of breath.
First Aid: measures you take immediately after an accident or medical emergency to save lives and stabilize the condition of the person affected - until professional help arrives.
Homely Maneuver: A first aid measure to resolve acute airway obstruction caused by foreign bodies (e.g. ingestion). e.g. if swallowed). Only use if back blows do not help.
circular-shock: A condition in which vital organs are no longer supplied with sufficient blood. It can be triggered by blood loss, severe allergies, heatstroke or other causes. The shock position can help to stabilize the circulation in the short term.
emergency number 144: The Austrian emergency number for medical help. Accessible via any cell phone, even without credit or SIM card.
Reanimation (Resuscitation): measures such as chest compressions and artificial respiration to restore circulation in the event of cardiac arrest. Cardiac massage is the most important part of this and should be started immediately.
Shock position: Posture in which the legs are raised to improve blood flow to vital organs in shock.
Stable side: A positioning technique for unconscious people with normal breathing that reduces the risk of choking due to the tongue falling back or vomit.
Poison Control Center: Specialized contact point where you can call immediately in case of suspicion. The center will give you specific instructions on first aid in the event of poisoning.

What should I do in an emergency?

Basic rules for correct behavior in an emergency

Place the emergency call correctly

Do's and don'ts in an emergency

Don'ts:

Do's:

The right behavior in an emergency is the be-all and end-all

Frequent emergencies and measures

Unconsciousness

How to respond correctly:

Choking

Measures:

Insect bites with allergic reaction

Measures:

Heatstroke

Measures:

Wounds and heavy bleeding

Measures:

Poisonings

Measures:

Overview table of important emergency numbers

Important emergency numbers in Austria

Nora's Tip

How do I recognize a medical emergency in the first place?
Typical signs are unconsciousness, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, severe pain or changes in behavior (e.g. confusion). If you are unsure: It is better to call the emergency services once too often than too little.

What happens if I do something wrong when helping?
Don't worry - nobody expects perfection. Every attempt to help counts! You are protected by the law as long as you help within your means.

Do I really have to help if I see an emergency?
Yes. In Austria, there is a legal obligation to provide first aid. Anyone who does not help, even though they could, is liable to prosecution (§ 95 StGB - failure to render assistance).

How often should I take a first aid course?
It is recommended that you take a refresher course every 3-5 years. It makes sense to regularly refresh your knowledge, especially if you have day-to-day care responsibilities.

May I remove the helmet of an unconscious person (e.g. motorcycle accident)?
Yes, if the person is unconscious and not breathing, you must remove the helmet to check breathing and administer first aid if necessary.

What do I say when I call the emergency services if I'm panicking?
Try to take a deep breath and concentrate on the 5 W questions (What? Where? How many? What injuries? Who is calling?). The control center will help you and stay on the phone with you.

What should I do in an emergency?

What should I do in an emergency?

What should I do in an emergency?

What should I do in an emergency?

What should I do in an emergency?

What should I do in an emergency?

Basic rules for correct behavior in an emergency

Place the emergency call correctly

Do's and don'ts in an emergency

Don'ts:

Do's:

The right behavior in an emergency is the be-all and end-all

Frequent emergencies and measures

Unconsciousness

How to respond correctly:

Choking

Measures:

Insect bites with allergic reaction

Measures:

Heatstroke

Measures:

Wounds and heavy bleeding

Measures:

Poisonings

Measures:

Overview table of important emergency numbers

Important emergency numbers in Austria

Nora's Tip

How do I recognize a medical emergency in the first place? Typical signs are unconsciousness, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, severe pain or changes in behavior (e.g. confusion). If you are unsure: It is better to call the emergency services once too often than too little.

What happens if I do something wrong when helping? Don't worry - nobody expects perfection. Every attempt to help counts! You are protected by the law as long as you help within your means.

Do I really have to help if I see an emergency? Yes. In Austria, there is a legal obligation to provide first aid. Anyone who does not help, even though they could, is liable to prosecution (§ 95 StGB - failure to render assistance).

How often should I take a first aid course? It is recommended that you take a refresher course every 3-5 years. It makes sense to regularly refresh your knowledge, especially if you have day-to-day care responsibilities.

May I remove the helmet of an unconscious person (e.g. motorcycle accident)? Yes, if the person is unconscious and not breathing, you must remove the helmet to check breathing and administer first aid if necessary.

What do I say when I call the emergency services if I'm panicking? Try to take a deep breath and concentrate on the 5 W questions (What? Where? How many? What injuries? Who is calling?). The control center will help you and stay on the phone with you.

How do I recognize a medical emergency in the first place?
Typical signs are unconsciousness, shortness of breath, severe bleeding, severe pain or changes in behavior (e.g. confusion). If you are unsure: It is better to call the emergency services once too often than too little.

What happens if I do something wrong when helping?
Don't worry - nobody expects perfection. Every attempt to help counts! You are protected by the law as long as you help within your means.

Do I really have to help if I see an emergency?
Yes. In Austria, there is a legal obligation to provide first aid. Anyone who does not help, even though they could, is liable to prosecution (§ 95 StGB - failure to render assistance).

How often should I take a first aid course?
It is recommended that you take a refresher course every 3-5 years. It makes sense to regularly refresh your knowledge, especially if you have day-to-day care responsibilities.

May I remove the helmet of an unconscious person (e.g. motorcycle accident)?
Yes, if the person is unconscious and not breathing, you must remove the helmet to check breathing and administer first aid if necessary.

What do I say when I call the emergency services if I'm panicking?
Try to take a deep breath and concentrate on the 5 W questions (What? Where? How many? What injuries? Who is calling?). The control center will help you and stay on the phone with you.