← All free printables

Print or save your copy—no email required.

This educational guide supports awareness and planning. It does not provide certification or replace hands-on training, medical care, or emergency services.

Your booklet — print double-sided, fold, and keep it handy

The Bystander's Pocket Guide

What to do in the first few minutes of an emergency — for anyone, no medical training needed.

by Thomas Sutton · Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Sutton Health & Safety

Scan for free classes & printables

Do this firstTap and shout. No response, no normal breathing? Call 911 now (or point at one person: "You, call 911"), and put it on speaker.

Push hard and fast

Heel of your hand in the center of the chest, other hand on top. Push at 100–120 compressions a minute, at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) deep, with full recoil and as few interruptions as possible.

Don't stop

Keep going until they move, a trained responder takes over, or the 911 dispatcher tells you to stop. Acting quickly and following dispatcher or AED instructions can improve the person’s chance of survival.

Sutton Health & Safety Training
Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Official American Heart Association cards issued after successful completion · Free class-planning call anytime.

Adult & child (over 1 year)

If they can cough effectively, encourage coughing and watch closely. If they cannot cough effectively, talk, or breathe: 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades, then 5 abdominal thrusts just above the belly button. Keep alternating 5 and 5 until it clears. Call 911.

Baby (under 1 year)

Face-down along your forearm, 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. Flip face-up, 5 chest thrusts with the heel of 1 hand. Repeat. Never do abdominal thrusts on a baby.

If they go limpLower them down, call 911, and start CPR beginning with compressions. Follow the dispatcher. Before breaths, remove an object only if visible—never sweep blindly. For an infant or child, give breaths if trained and willing.

Sutton Health & Safety Training
Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Official American Heart Association cards issued after successful completion · Free class-planning call anytime.

Turn it on and do exactly what the voice says.
Bare and dry the chest. Stick the pads on bare skin exactly where they're pictured (upper right, lower left).
Let it check. "Don't touch the patient" — make sure no one is touching them while it reads the heart.
Shock if told, make sure everyone's clear, press the button, then go right back to CPR.

Good to knowThe AED analyzes the rhythm and advises a shock only when it detects a shockable rhythm. Turn it on and follow its prompts.

Sutton Health & Safety Training
Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Official American Heart Association cards issued after successful completion · Free class-planning call anytime.

Stop severe bleeding

Call 911. Press firmly right on the wound with a clean cloth and don't let up. If blood soaks through, add more on top. For life-threatening arm or leg bleeding that pressure does not control, apply a commercial tourniquet above the wound, closer to the body and not over a joint; follow its instructions and tighten until bleeding stops.

Severe allergic reaction

After a food, sting, or medicine: trouble breathing; throat or tongue swelling; faintness or shock; or rapidly developing symptoms in more than one body system. Anaphylaxis can occur without hives. Help them use their own epinephrine auto-injector in the outer thigh, follow that device’s instructions, and call 911 immediately.

Sutton Health & Safety Training
Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Official American Heart Association cards issued after successful completion · Free class-planning call anytime.

When you call 911

Where you are (address + nearest cross-street, floor, or landmark) · what happened · how many are hurt · what you're doing now. Put it on speaker and stay on the line until they tell you to hang up.

Before help arrives — 5 things anyone can do

1) Check that the scene is safe and call 911. 2) For adult or teen sudden collapse, start Hands-Only CPR and get the AED. 3) Help with choking or press on bleeding. 4) Tell 911 exactly where you are. 5) Spot danger early—chest pain, stroke signs, or suspected anaphylaxis.

The real thing sticks in your handsA poster is a start. A hands-on class is where this becomes something you can actually do. I come to you — book a free planning call at suttonhealthsafety.com or call (201) 357-0156.

Sutton Health & Safety Training
Instructor authorized to teach American Heart Association courses · Official American Heart Association cards issued after successful completion · Free class-planning call anytime.