Unresponsive and not breathing
How to help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing. This means they don’t answer or move if you call their name or shake their shoulders, and they are not breathing.
Learning objectives
- Learn first aid skills
- Feel confident to help someone who needs first aid
- Feel able to help someone who is in need of first aid

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Click through the slides below to watch the film
Click on the link below to read the video transcript.
Giving first aid during the coronavirus pandemic
Please always consider your own personal safety first when delivering first aid
First aid for someone who is unresponsive and not breathing

Step 1
Someone who is unresponsive won’t answer or move if you call their name or shake their shoulders. Check if they are breathing. Is their chest moving? If the answer is no, they are not breathing.
Due to the risks of Covid-19, do not listen or feel for breathing by placing your ear and cheek close to the patient’s mouth.

Step 2
If they are not breathing, get help. Tell an adult and call 999.

Step 3
Tell the adult to do chest compressions by pushing firmly in the centre of the person’s chest until help arrives.
Think you know how to help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing?
Learn
Use these resources to help children learn how to help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.
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Unresponsive and not breathing - learn activity
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Unresponsive and not breathing – learn Powerpoint
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Unresponsive and not breathing - how to help card
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Practise
Use these resources to help children practise helping someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.
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Unresponsive and not breathing – practise role-play card
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First aid skill – practise activity ideas
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Guidance and support for teachers and educators
This section includes curriculum links, a teacher and educator guide and everything you need to get started.