SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/safety-check-response-ten-seconds

Someone collapses and won't answer you. How long should you spend checking if they respond?

For no more than 10 seconds.

Start playing free

  1. At least five minutes
  2. No more than ten seconds ✔
  3. Exactly one hour

Why: Use shout-tap-shout while quickly checking breathing and major bleeding. Limiting the check prevents delay in calling for help and starting care.

Huh, didn't know that: The Red Cross says to talk to and reassure an unresponsive person, because they may still hear you.

The dad joke
Why did the alarm clock cross the road? It was time to get to the other side.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No more than ten seconds. Use shout-tap-shout while quickly checking breathing and major bleeding. Limiting the check prevents delay in calling for help and starting care.

  1. Unresponsive and Breathing Person, American Red Cross www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/unresponsive-and-breathing-person
    Check for responsiveness for no more than 10 seconds using shout-tap-shout while noting breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Safety & First AidDuring a common nosebleed, which way should you lean while sitting up?Safety & First AidWhat should you put on a small, minor heat burn first?Safety & First AidSomeone falls and shakes during a seizure. How should you help?

That's stuff everyone should know.