Absolute first question
Is the person currently breathing?
If no → trigger dispatch_911 immediately, do not wait for further questions. Begin CPR instructions if the caller is capable.
ABCs in order
- Airway — Is anything blocking the airway?
- Breathing — Normal rate? Labored? Shallow?
- Circulation — Visible bleeding? Pale/clammy skin?
Additional triage
- Conscious and responding?
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing? → SEV 1
- Fall with possible head/neck injury? → Do not move the person
- Known medical conditions / medications?
- Age range (child, adult, elderly)
Contact confirmation
Always get the exact unit and whether the front door is unlocked for paramedics. Offer to stay on the line until help arrives.
SLA
- Breathing compromised: SEV 1, 2-minute target
- Conscious, stable: SEV 2, 5-minute target