Behavior Protocol
for
Unconsciousness
in Bars, Clubs, and Comparable Settings
Target Group: Youth, Friends, Bar Staff, Bouncers/Security
  • I. Immediate Awareness of the Situation
    • Recognize the situation: Determines whether a person is unconscious (unresponsive, does not react to touch or approach).
    • Own safety: Make sure that you and bystanders are not in danger (e.g. from crowds, broken glass, aggressive people).
    • Ask for help: Make sure that at least one other person provides support (friend, colleague, security).
  • II. Approaching and Initial Assessment
    • Approaching: Address the person clearly: “Hello, can you hear me?”
    • Lightly shake or pinch: Gently try to establish contact to check for any reaction.
    • Check for breathing: Briefly hold your ear near the mouth/nose and observe the chest. Do you hear or feel any breathing?
      • If no breathing or irregular breathing is detected: Immediately initiate resuscitation measures (see Section 4).
      • If there is breathing, but the person does not respond: The person is unconscious.
  • III. Immediate Actions & Emergency Call
    • Emergency Call (112):
      • Provide your name and the exact address (bar/club/event venue).
      • Briefly describe the situation: “The person is unconscious, but is breathing / is not breathing.”
      • Follow the instructions from the emergency dispatch center.
    • Assess the cause (if possible):
      • Did the person consume alcohol or other substances?
      • Was there a fall or a fight?
      • Does the person have pre-existing conditions (e.g., epilepsy, diabetes, heart problems)?
      • Pass this information along to the emergency responders as soon as they arrive.
  • IV. Resuscitation (Only If There Is No or Irregular Breathing)
    • Chest Compressions:
      • Press down in the center of the chest about 5–6 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (roughly in the rhythm of “Stayin’ Alive”).
      • Allow the chest to fully rise after each compression.
    • Rescue Breaths (Optional, if trained):
      • After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
      • Watch for the chest to rise and fall.
      • If you feel uncertain or uncomfortable (hygiene, etc.), focus on continuous chest compressions.
    • Automated External Defibrillator (AED):
      • If one is available in the club or bar, retrieve it immediately.
      • Turn on the device and follow its instructions.
      • Apply the electrodes to the bare chest according to the device/illustration.
    • Continue until help arrives:
      • Do not stop until professional responders take over or the person starts reacting.
  • V. Recovery Position (If the Person Is Breathing but Unconscious)
    • Check for hazards: Ensure that no vomit or blood is blocking the airways.
    • Position the person on their side:
      • Place the nearest arm bent upward (elbow at shoulder level) and the far arm in front of the chest.
      • Bend the far leg and carefully turn the person onto their side so that their face is slightly downward.
      • Tilt the head slightly backward to keep the airways clear.
    • Monitor:
      • Continue to observe if the person is breathing regularly.
      • Remain with them until emergency services arrive.
  • VI. Calming the Environment
    • Calm those around you:
      • Briefly explain that you are taking care of the person and have called for help.
      • Avoid causing panic.
    • Create space:
      • If possible, clear an area (push aside tables/chairs, ask guests to keep their distance).
    • Privacy & Dignity:
      • If necessary, cover the person and respect their privacy (e.g., no photos or videos by bystanders).
  • VII. Cooperation with Security and Bar Staff
    • Bouncers/Security:
      • Help by keeping an unobstructed access route for the rescuers and by dispersing onlookers.
      • Check if the person may have been a victim of a crime or dangerous situation (e.g., drugging with “date-rape” drugs, assault).
    • Bartenders/Staff:
      • Communicate relevant information to security and the emergency services (if known, which beverages were consumed, any mixed consumption, etc.).
      • If necessary, support with emergency call handling (address, exact location in the building).
    • Friends of the Affected Person:
      • Stay nearby to provide important details about the person (allergies, medical history, emergency contacts).
      • Help calm the person if they regain consciousness.
  • VIII. Important Follow-Up
    • Documentation:
      • Record the time, the situation, the initial measures taken, and any unusual behavior (e.g., suspicion of drug use, aggression).
    • Debrief with Emergency Services:
      • Share any relevant information (personal details, if known, alcohol/drug consumption, observed symptoms).
    • Further Procedure:
      • Decide, together with the emergency services and, if necessary, the police, whether further actions (e.g., hospital accompaniment) are required.
    • Evaluation:
      • Briefly debrief with your team regarding what went well and what could be improved next time.
      • If needed, consider professional psychological support (e.g., in cases of shock).
Summary:
  • Recognize
    • Is the person unconscious or just dazed?
  • Secure
    • Eliminate hazards and organize assistance.
  • React
    • Address the person, check for breathing, and if necessary, place an emergency call.
  • First Aid
    • Perform resuscitation or place the person in the recovery position, according to the condition.
  • Manage the Environment
    • Calm bystanders, create space, secure emergency access routes.
  • Follow Up
    • Document the incident, pass on information to emergency services, and review the procedures.
Our Goal:
This protocol is designed to ensure that everyone involved—be it friends, bar staff, or security—can act quickly and decisively to provide competent and composed assistance in emergency situations.