Heat, cold and water.

On a very hot day, a person in a park suddenly becomes confused. A second learning case takes place at a frozen lake.

Heat with confusion is a warning sign

Heat can impair circulation and consciousness. Confusion, a seizure or no response in a hot environment require immediate help. Call 112, help the person out of the heat if safe, and cool with moving air and damp cloths. Do not wait for a particular skin colour. Give nothing to drink if consciousness is impaired.

Key point: Heat plus altered consciousness: act quickly.

Protect against further cooling

In cold or wet conditions, gently help the person to a sheltered place if safe. Insulate them from the cold ground, cover them and carefully replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Handle severely hypothermic people gently; do not rub, give a hot bath or offer alcohol. Monitor consciousness and breathing; call 112 for severe hypothermia.

Key point: Stop heat loss; do not warm by force.

Help from the safe bank

Do not jump into the water without safety measures or step onto unsafe ice. Call 112, give the exact location and, where possible, help from a safe position using suitable rescue equipment. A rescued person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally needs resuscitation; rescue breaths are especially important in drowning. Follow the dispatcher.

Key point: Safe rescue rather than a risky personal attempt.

Decide and check for yourself.

Five questions: Heat, cold and water.

One answer per question. You get an immediate explanation and may retry as often as you like. Answers last only until reload; optionally, test completion is saved on this device.