Medical emergencies during church services are more common than most people realize. Whether it’s a cardiac event, a seizure, a severe allergic reaction, or a fall, your team’s response in the first few minutes is critical. Here’s what to do.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
Panic spreads. The first person to respond sets the tone for everyone around them. Speak calmly, move with purpose, and focus on the person in need.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
Don’t wait to see if the person recovers. For any serious medical event — loss of consciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction — call 911 right away. Have someone go to the parking lot to direct EMS to the right entrance.
Step 3: Clear the Area
Have ushers or volunteers calmly ask bystanders to give space. A crowd around the person makes it harder for responders to work and adds to the stress of the situation.
Step 4: Begin CPR If Needed
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately. Send someone to retrieve the AED simultaneously. Every second without CPR during cardiac arrest reduces survival odds by 7–10%.
Step 5: Use the AED
AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel. Turn it on, follow the audio prompts, and don’t hesitate. The device will not deliver a shock unless one is needed.
Step 6: Continue Until EMS Arrives
Don’t stop CPR until EMS takes over or the person shows clear signs of recovery. Rotate responders every two minutes to maintain compression quality.
After the Emergency
Debrief with your team. Check in with witnesses and family members. Review your response honestly — what worked, what could be improved. Use the experience to strengthen your protocols.
Be Prepared Before It Matters
The time to prepare for a medical emergency is before it happens. Shepherd Shield Consulting provides CPR/AED training and emergency response planning for churches of all sizes.