Recognising collapse, calling 999, and starting the response

Resuscitation Council UK guidance is clear: call 999 for any unresponsive person. Do not delay the call while seeking absolute certainty about breathing. Assess breathing while the call is answered, use speakerphone if you can, and follow the ambulance call handler's instructions.

What the first minute should look like in pharmacy

• Check safety first: make sure you, the collapsed person, and others nearby are not at risk.
• Check for a response: if the person is unresponsive, treat this as a possible cardiac arrest.
• Call 999 immediately: ideally one named person does this on speakerphone while another stays with the patient.
• Assess breathing: if breathing is abnormal, includes agonal gasps, or is only occasional, assume cardiac arrest.
• Send for the AED at once: do not wait several minutes before retrieving it.
• Start CPR if there is any doubt: starting is safer than delaying through hesitation.

Role allocation helps the whole pharmacy team

• One person stays with the patient and begins the response.
• One person calls 999 and keeps the phone on speaker.
• One person gets the AED and any immediately needed emergency kit.
• One person clears space and guides paramedics in if staffing allows.
• One person records key times such as collapse, 999 call, CPR start, and AED arrival if practical.

If there is any real doubt, assume cardiac arrest and start the response. Delay is usually more dangerous than acting.