Medical Disclaimer

Last updated: [date of launch]

In an emergency, call your local emergency number first (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 999 or 112 in the UK, 112 in the EU and Ireland, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand) and follow the call-taker's instructions. Their instructions take priority over anything in our materials.

Before Help Arrives™ products and free resources are for education and preparedness only.

• Not medical advice. They don't provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and don't create a clinician–patient relationship.
• Not a course or certification. They don't replace certified CPR and First Aid training, which we encourage everyone to take. Hands-on skills such as CPR, choking response and tourniquet use need practical training.
• Personal care plans come first. Follow the written plans for the people in your home (asthma, allergy, diabetes, epilepsy) and the advice of their doctors.
• Guidance varies and changes. Our content reflects published guidance at the time of writing (2025 AHA CPR and ECC guidelines; 2024 AHA and American Red Cross First Aid guidelines; current European and UK guidance). Local practice may differ, and guidelines are updated. Follow your national resuscitation council and local emergency services.
• No guarantee of outcome. Every emergency is different. Statistics describe populations, not individuals. No preparedness programme can guarantee any outcome.
• Independent. Before Help Arrives™ is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the European Resuscitation Council, the NHS or any other organisation we cite. Trade marks belong to their owners.

Before Help Arrives™ is written by Segolame Setlhare, RN, a former AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Consultant, and published by HSS (PTY) Ltd.

By using our materials you accept this disclaimer. If you don't, please don't use them, and ask us for a refund.