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1. Shake or tap the person gently. See if the person moves or makes a noise. Shout, "Are you OK?"
2. If there is no response, call 911 or the local emergency number. Shout for help and send someone to call 911 or the local emergency number. If you are alone, call 911 or the local emergency number. If you know that an AED is available nearby, retrieve the AED even if you have to leave the person. Do not leave the person to look for an AED if you do not know there is one nearby.
3. Carefully place the person on their back. Place the person on a firm, flat surface, if possible. If there is a chance the person has a spinal injury, two people should move the person to prevent the head and neck from twisting. For the purposes of CPR, puberty is defined as breast development in females and the presence of axillary (armpit) hair in males.
Review Date 2/10/2026
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
