Emergencies are unpredictable, often pushing us to the limits of our capabilities. Knowing how to act swiftly and wisely can make all the difference. Below, we’ll explore 10 detailed scenarios, providing actionable advice and leveraging modal verbs like should, must, and could to guide effective responses.

1. Choking or Throat Blockage

Scenario: You're at a family dinner when someone suddenly clutches their throat, struggling to breathe.
What You Should Do:

• You must confirm they’re choking by asking, “Are you choking?” If they can’t speak, nod, or cough, it’s an emergency.
• You should stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, and perform the Heimlich maneuver: make a fist, place it above their navel, and thrust inward and upward.
• If they lose consciousness, you must lay them down and begin CPR.
• You should call emergency services immediately if the object isn’t dislodged.

2. Severe Bleeding

Scenario: During a DIY project, someone accidentally cuts their arm deeply, and blood gushes out.
What You Should Do:

• You must apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth.
• You should elevate the injured limb above heart level to slow the bleeding.
• If blood soaks through the cloth, you must not remove it; instead, layer another cloth on top.
• You should seek medical help without delay.

3. Cardiac Arrest

Scenario: A colleague collapses during a meeting, showing no signs of life.
What You Should Do:

• You must check for a pulse and breathing.
• If neither is present, you must start CPR immediately: press hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute.
• You should ask someone to find an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available and follow its instructions.
• You should not stop CPR until professional help arrives.

4. Earthquake

Scenario: You're in a high-rise building when the ground begins to shake violently.
What You Should Do:

• You must drop to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on to something stable.
• If indoors, you should move away from windows, mirrors, and heavy furniture.
• You must not run outside during the shaking; debris falling from buildings could injure you.
• You could keep an emergency kit with water, food, and a flashlight for such situations.

5. House Fire

Scenario: You wake up to the smell of smoke and see flames spreading quickly.
What You Should Do:

• You must crawl low to the ground to avoid inhaling toxic smoke.
• You should check doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening them.
• If flames block your escape, you should seal the room and signal for help through a window.
• You must have an evacuation plan and practice it regularly.

6. Drowning

Scenario: At the beach, someone is struggling to stay afloat in deep water.
What You Should Do:

• You must not enter the water unless you’re a trained swimmer.
• You should throw a flotation device or extend a pole for them to grab.
• You must alert lifeguards or emergency services immediately.
• Once they’re safe, you should check for breathing and provide CPR if necessary.

7. Heatstroke

Scenario: A marathon runner collapses, flushed and disoriented, on a hot summer day.
What You Should Do:

• You must move them to a shaded or cool area immediately.
• You should remove excess clothing and fan them while applying cool, damp cloths to their skin.
• You could offer them water, but only if they’re conscious.
• You must call for medical assistance if their condition doesn’t improve.

8. Snake Bite

Scenario: While hiking, someone is bitten by a snake on their leg.
What You Should Do:

• You must keep them calm and still to slow the spread of venom.
• You should immobilize the affected limb and keep it below heart level.
• You must not apply ice, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out venom.
• You must transport them to a medical facility as quickly as possible.

9. Gas Leak

Scenario: You smell gas upon entering your kitchen.
What You Should Do:

• You must open all windows and doors immediately for ventilation.
• You should not turn on lights or use electrical devices, as they might ignite the gas.
• You must leave the premises and call emergency services from a safe distance.

10. Car Accident

Scenario: You witness a car crash on a busy road.
What You Should Do:

• You should stop safely and turn on your hazard lights.
• You must check for injuries and call emergency services.
• If someone is injured, you must avoid moving them unless they’re in immediate danger.
• You could provide basic first aid while waiting for help.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What should you do first if someone is choking?
2. Why must you not remove a blood-soaked cloth from a wound?
3. What is the safest action during an earthquake if you're indoors?
4. How should you respond to a snake bite during a hike?
5. Why is it important to avoid turning on lights during a gas leak?

Open-Ended Questions

1. Which emergency scenario do you think is the hardest to handle, and why?
2. How can practicing these techniques improve your confidence in emergencies?
3. What additional emergencies would you like to learn about?

Vocabulary and Expressions

1. Heimlich maneuver – A first-aid technique used to dislodge an object blocking someone’s airway.
2. Direct pressure – Applying firm force to a wound to stop bleeding.
3. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – A life-saving procedure involving chest compressions and rescue breaths.
4. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) – A portable device used to restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.
5. Toxic fumes – Harmful gases produced during a fire or chemical reaction.
6. Evacuation plan – A strategy for safely leaving a building or area during an emergency.
7. Flotation device – A buoyant object used to help someone stay afloat in water.
8. Heatstroke – A severe condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
9. Immobilize – To prevent movement of a body part to reduce injury or spread of venom.
10. Hazard lights – Flashing lights on a vehicle used to indicate an emergency