Take a Class Resources Blog Check, Call Care: 3 Emergency Actions Steps to Take to Save Lives

  • Check, Call, Care: 3 Emergency Actions Steps to Take to Save Lives

    American Red Cross - Check. Call. Care.

    Date Published: September 23, 2024

    Emergencies can strike at anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. When faced with such a situation, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. However, it's crucial to remember that staying calm and collected is key to handling an emergency effectively. Do you know how to keep your cool and make the right decisions in a crisis?

    What are the three emergency action steps?

    The three emergency action steps are often represented as the three Cs: check, call, care. Examples of the 3 Cs of first aid are to check the scene and the victim, call the local emergency number, and provide care.

    The American Red Cross uses the phrase, check, call, care in their first aid courses to remember what to do in a life-threatening emergency situation.

    Check. Check the scene, check the person by forming an initial impression, obtain consent and continue checking the person.
    First, CHECK the scene for safety. Keeping yourself safe will help you take care of others. Then, obtain consent and check the person to determine the nature of their illness or injury.
    Call. Call 9-1-1 and get equipment.
    Next, immediately CALL or tell someone to call 911, and get the emergency equipment. Remember you need to get EMS on the way if the person is unresponsive, not breathing or only gasping, having trouble breathing, experiencing life-threating bleeding, or experiencing another obvious life threating condition. Once 911 has been called, put the dispatcher on speaker phone. The operator has been trained for special situations and may be able to guide you through responses such a CPR or choking.
    Care. Care for the person.
    Finally, CARE for the person according to their condition and your level of training.

    Following the check, call, care 3 emergency action steps can safeguard your well-being and support the victim toward recovery. Learn more about check, call, care at a Red Cross first aid course.

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    About Red Cross Training Services

    Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.