Unresponsive and not breathing

Tom gives Kelly's nan chest compressions

Learn how to help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing.

Learning objectives

Learn how to recognise when someone is unresponsive and not breathing
Learn the key action to help when someone is unresponsive and not breathing
Practise applying the key action to a known situation in a role play
Share something creative to inform others how they can help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing

Guidance regarding giving first aid in the current coronavirus situation can be found in our News section. Please always consider your own personal safety first when delivering first aid.

Kelly rushes to her nan who has collapsed in the garden

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Kelly is visiting her nan after college, when she suddenly collapses in the garden. Kelly doesn’t know what to do and calls for help.

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Kelly’s story

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Now let’s take a closer look at this skill.

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While we waited for help to arrive, what was the key action Tom took that helped save her?

Back blows Chest compressions Rescue breaths

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Try Again

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Watch the animation to see how the key action works

Replay

How confident do you feel about helping someone who is unresponsive and not breathing?

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Take action: If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, give chest compressions.

Start Over

Click on the link below to view the video transcript.

Unresponsive and not breathing film transcript

How to help someone who is unresponsive and not breathing

Step 1.

Someone who is unresponsive won't answer or move if you call their name or tap their shoulders. If it's an adult who is unresponsive, gently shake their shoulders.

Tom tilts Kelly's nan's head back and checks for breaths

Step 2.

Check if they are breathing. Tilt their head back - is their chest moving? Can you hear, see or feel them breathing? If the answer is not, they are not breathing.