Use when someone finds a person who is not moving, not breathing and may have died, at home, outside, in a car, a camp or a public place.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
Unless the person is clearly long dead, try to help: shout and tap their shoulder, and if they're not breathing, start CPR. The dispatcher will tell you what to do.
If drugs might be involved, give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it.
If someone is not breathing, use the guide "Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake up".
If it was a friend or family member, use the guides "Grieving a death and needs support" and "Someone died and the family can't pay for a funeral".
At the Gospel MissionMission staff and peer support are here to listen.
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.