Check for responsiveness

1. Check for responsiveness. Shake or tap the person gently. See if the person moves or makes a noise. Shout, "Are you OK?"

2. Call 911 if there is no response. Shout for help and send someone to call 911. If you are alone, call 911 even if you have to leave the person.

3. Carefully place the person on his or her back. If there is a chance the person has a spinal injury, two people are needed to move the person without twisting the head and neck.

4. Open the airway. Lift up the chin with 2 fingers. At the same time, push down on the forehead with the other hand.

Review Date: 5/15/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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