Questions people ask

A diabetic has passed out… should I rub honey or something sweet inside the mouth?

No.

• Put nothing in their mouth — no juice, no honey; they will choke.
• Place them in the recovery position and call the ambulance immediately.
• If a glucagon kit is available and someone knows how: give it now.

Full guide: Low blood sugar: when a diabetic starts shaking →

I arrived before him — why did he go in first?

• The emergency department doesn't run on "first come, first served" but on "sickest first".
• The triage nurse sorts patients into five levels by severity.
• Waiting usually means your initial assessment is reassuring — and that's good news.
• Tell the nurse immediately if your pain worsens or new symptoms appear while waiting.

Full guide: Why am I waiting in the ER? →

What is the most important sign of a COPD flare-up?

The danger is when the usual changes:

• Breathlessness worse than usual and not answering the usual inhaler.
• More phlegm, or darker phlegm.
• Unusual fatigue or new daytime drowsiness.
• Blue lips, confusion, or broken speech: call the ambulance immediately.

Full guide: COPD flare-up: when "normal" changes →

When do I put someone in the recovery position?

• When the person is unconscious or barely responsive and breathing normally.
• Not when a neck or spine injury is suspected.
• Not breathing? Start CPR immediately instead.

Full guide: Recovery position →