First aid
Accident
Emergency call 144. In case of unconsciousness, respiratory arrest or life-threatening bleeding, immediately alert the medical emergency control centre and follow its instructions.
The pattern is always the same: Look – Think – Act. First assess the situation and identify dangers, then secure the accident scene, raise the alarm and finally help. Anyone who internalises this pattern stays able to act even in chaos.
Self-protection
- Stay calm and watch out for your own safety – never become the second casualty yourself.
Secure the scene
- Secure the accident scene: hazard lights, hi-vis vest, warning triangle. Involve bystanders.
Raise the alarm
- Emergency call 144. Where? What happened? How many injured? Stay on the line.
Help
- Provide first aid and look after those affected until professional help arrives.
What to report when calling 144
- WHERE did it happen? (place, street, floor)
- WHAT happened?
- HOW MANY people are affected?
- WHO is calling? – and stay on the line
Remember
- Self-protection always comes first
- Address bystanders directly: «You, go get the defibrillator!»
- Doing nothing is the only mistake
Particular dangers at the accident scene
- Road traffic: put on the hi-vis vest first, then get out – place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle, at least 100 m on roads with fast-moving traffic (Art. 23 of the Traffic Rules Ordinance, VRV)
- Motorway: do not step onto the carriageway, go behind the crash barrier
- Electrical accident: switch off the power source or have it switched off, never touch the person directly while voltage may be present
- Smoke or smell of gas: leave the area, do not operate any switches, alert the fire brigade on 118
- Multiple injured: first get an overview and report the situation – don't get stuck with the first person you find
Caution: Where there is electricity, gas, fire or a risk of falling: keep your distance and let the professionals work. Dead heroes help no one.
When the emergency services are on the way
- Post someone at the roadside or at the building entrance to direct the responders
- Keep the access clear, open the front door, switch on the stairwell light
- Have the affected person's medication list, allergies and vaccination record ready
- Note your observations: time, changes in condition, measures taken
Further sources
- Swiss Samaritans First-aid courses
- Rega App that transmits your location
- Guide: Reporting clearly with SALUTE and the W-questions The W-questions for the 144 emergency call, explained in detail
- Stab wound & tourniquet For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg: when a tourniquet helps
This content is for information only and does not replace first-aid training. We recommend a recognised first-aid or BLS-AED course.