The “3 C’s” represent a sequential mnemonic used in first aid to guide initial actions during a medical emergency. This systematic approach—Check, Call, Care—helps a layperson respond effectively and safely. Following these steps ensures the safety of the rescuer is prioritized, professional medical help is summoned promptly, and appropriate immediate aid is provided to the victim. This framework increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
First C: Check (Assessing the Scene and Victim)
The first step is to assess the environment for safety before approaching the victim. A responder should quickly scan the area for hazards such as traffic, fire, electrical wires, or unstable structures that could endanger themselves or the victim. If the scene is unsafe, the rescuer should not enter. Instead, they should attempt to mitigate the danger from a safe distance or wait for emergency services to arrive and secure the area.
Once the scene is safe, the focus shifts to assessing the victim for life-threatening conditions. Determine responsiveness by tapping the victim and speaking loudly, asking, “Are you okay?”. If the person does not respond, immediately check for normal breathing by observing the chest for a rise and fall for no more than 5 to 10 seconds. The absence of responsiveness, normal breathing, or the presence of only gasping sounds indicates a severe medical emergency.
The rescuer must also check for severe, life-threatening bleeding that could lead to rapid blood loss. A quick scan for large pools of blood or spurting blood is necessary, as uncontrolled hemorrhage can be fatal within minutes. This rapid check ensures that the most immediate threats to life are identified. Assessing the victim also involves looking for medical identification jewelry, which can provide details about underlying conditions like diabetes or allergies.
Second C: Call (Activating Emergency Services)
The second step is to immediately activate emergency medical services (EMS) by dialing the local emergency number. This step should occur as soon as a serious situation is identified, particularly if the victim is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or has severe bleeding. Prompt notification ensures that professional help is dispatched without delay, which significantly impacts the patient’s prognosis.
If other bystanders are present, the rescuer should delegate the task of calling by pointing directly to a specific person and giving clear instructions. This allows the primary rescuer to immediately move on to providing care. If the rescuer is alone, they should call the emergency number and put the phone on speaker mode to communicate with the dispatcher while simultaneously starting to provide care.
When speaking to the dispatcher, the rescuer must remain calm and provide accurate, specific information. Essential details include the exact location of the emergency, the nature of the situation (e.g., car accident, sudden collapse), and the number of people injured. Providing a brief description of the victim’s condition helps the dispatcher prioritize the response and provide real-time guidance to the rescuer. The caller should never hang up until the dispatcher confirms that all necessary information has been gathered.
Third C: Care (Providing Appropriate Aid)
The final C involves providing immediate, appropriate aid to the victim until EMS personnel arrive. The actions taken must prioritize life-threatening conditions identified during the Check step. For an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally, the most immediate action is to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves chest compressions. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, it should be retrieved and used quickly, as early defibrillation can be life-saving for cardiac arrest.
For severe, uncontrolled bleeding, the immediate intervention is to apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile dressing to stem the flow of blood. If direct pressure alone is insufficient, a tourniquet should be applied high and tight on the affected limb to prevent catastrophic blood loss. If the victim is conscious but has no life-threatening injuries, the rescuer should provide reassurance, keep them still, and maintain a normal body temperature by covering them with a blanket to prevent shock.
The rescuer should also monitor the victim continuously, watching for any changes in their condition, such as a loss of consciousness or a change in breathing pattern. Continue any life-saving efforts, such as CPR or maintaining pressure on a wound, until the professional responders arrive and instruct the rescuer to stop. The information gathered about the victim’s condition and the care provided should then be clearly and concisely relayed to the arriving EMS team.