Sudden Illnesses

Even if you don’t have a first aid certificate, you can still help people.

Sometimes, a person’s body can have a sudden reaction from the inside. This is called a sudden illness. If someone gets sick very fast from a sudden illness, all you have to do is remember the 3 C’s: Check, Call, Care.

First, Check the area to make sure you are safe. If you get hurt, you can’t help anyone else! Next, check the person. Ask them, “Are you okay? Can I help you?” Look to see what might be wrong.
If the person is having a lot of trouble breathing, won’t wake up, or seems really confused, it is time to Call. Call 9-1-1 right away (or tell an adult to call 9-1-1).
While you wait for the ambulance or an adult to arrive, you can give Care. The most important way to care for someone is to keep them calm and comfortable. Tell them, “I am here with you, and help is on the way!”

Here is how you can help with four common sudden illnesses:

Choking

When food or an object gets stuck in a person’s throat, they can’t breathe.

Check: Check the area to make sure you are safe. Then ask the person, “Are you choking?” If they can cough or talk, tell them to keep coughing! If they cannot make a sound or are holding their throat, they need help immediately.
Call: Have someone call 9-1-1.
Care: If you have been taught the Heimlich maneuver, you can help them. If you don’t know how, keep yelling for an adult while someone calls 9-1-1.

Asthma Attacks

Asthma is a lung condition. An asthma attack makes the tubes in the lungs swell up, making it very hard to breathe.

Check: Check the area to make sure you are safe. Look for wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), coughing, or struggling to get air. They might be holding their chest.
Call: If they can’t speak or get their breath, call 9-1-1.
Care: Ask them if they have their asthma inhaler medicine. You can bring it to them and help them sit up straight so it’s easier to breathe.

Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergies)

Anaphylaxis (anna-fuh-LACK-sis) is a very dangerous allergic reaction. It can happen fast from a bee sting, peanuts, or other allergies.

Check: Check the area to make sure you are safe. Look for swelling on the face or lips, a bad rash (hives), or trouble breathing.
Call: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Anaphylaxis is always an emergency.
Care: Ask if they have an allergy medicine called an “EpiPen” (epinephrine). You can bring it to them so they can use it. Have them sit comfortably or lie down.

Diabetic Emergencies

People with diabetes have trouble balancing the sugar in their blood. Sometimes their sugar gets too high or too low, making them sick.

Check: Check the area to make sure you are safe. Check the person to see if they might look very tired, act confused, be sweaty, or start acting grumpy and strange.
Call: If they faint, won’t wake up, or can’t talk properly, call 9-1-1.
Care: If they are awake and can safely swallow, offer them 15 to 20 grams of sugar. This could be 4 ounces of orange juice, regular (not diet!) soda, or some jellybeans.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Published on August 2, 2026. Author:

Tia Kennard

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