This is one of those things that’s simple, but genuinely important to have in your head before you ever need it. When you’re alone and something goes wrong, panic is the biggest enemy.
Here are 3 actions that matter most in almost any emergency:
1. Pause and control your breathing
Before you do anything else:
- Take 3 slow, deep breaths
- Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth
Why this matters:
- Panic shuts down clear thinking
- Slowing your breath helps your brain switch from panic → problem-solving
Even 10 seconds can change the outcome.
2. Call for help early — don’t “wait and see”
If something feels wrong:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Put the phone on speaker
- Stay on the line
Important:
- You do not need to be sure it’s “serious enough”
- Dispatchers are trained to guide you step by step
Waiting too long is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes people make when alone.
3. Make yourself visible and reachable
If help is coming or you feel at risk:
- Unlock your door if safe
- Turn on lights
- Sit or lie down somewhere easy to find
- If outside, move to an open, visible area
This helps responders reach you faster and reduces the risk of collapse or injury going unnoticed.
Extra habits that save lives (worth doing today)
- Keep your phone charged
- Know your address by memory
- Enable emergency contacts on your phone
- If you live alone, tell someone where you are when plans change
Bottom line
In emergencies when you’re alone:
Breathe → Call → Make yourself reachable
If you want, I can also share:
- What to do specifically for falls, chest pain, choking, or sudden dizziness
- A 1-minute emergency checklist to keep on your fridge or phone
Just tell me.
