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Fundamental First Aid: The ABC's

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated February 14, 2008

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Determine if the Victim is Awake

Briskly rub the victim's sternum with your knuckles to wake him.

Rod Brouhard
Probably the biggest indicator of a serious medical emergency is an inability to wake a victim. If the person you are trying to help does not respond to you as you attempt to wake him or her, then you should call 911 immediately. If you are out of the house or office and using your cell phone, make sure you know how to call 911 on a cell phone.

If a person is responding to you but is confused, you should still call 911. Remember: When in doubt, call 'em out!

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