In short
Stay calm, check whether they’ve had a panic attack before, and if you’re not sure it’s panic, call 000 because it could be a medical emergency. Speak slowly and clearly, reassure them it will pass, and help them slow their breathing. Don’t dismiss what they’re feeling.
On this page
First: is it a panic attack?
Panic attacks can look like a heart attack or other medical emergency. Mental health first aid guidelines, developed with experts and people with lived experience, recommend asking the person whether they think it’s a panic attack and whether they’ve had one before.
Call 000 if you’re not sure, if they have chest pain, if it’s their first attack, or if they don’t improve.
What to do
- Stay calm yourself. Your calm helps them settle.
- Introduce yourself if you don’t know them, and ask if you can help.
- Ask what helps. People who’ve had attacks before often know.
- Speak slowly, clearly and in short sentences.
- Reassure them. “You’re having a panic attack. It’s not dangerous and it will pass. I’m staying with you.”
- Help them slow their breathing. Breathe slowly with them, counting in for about four and out for about six.
- Move somewhere quieter if they want to and it’s safe.
- Stay with them until it passes.
Want to talk it through?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
What to avoid
- Telling them to calm down, or that it’s all in their head
- Getting frustrated or rushing them
- Crowding them
- Making them breathe into a paper bag
- Assuming it’s panic if you’re not sure. When in doubt, call 000.
Afterwards
- Let them rest; they may feel exhausted or shaky
- Ask if there’s someone they’d like you to call
- If attacks keep happening, gently encourage them to see a GP, who can arrange support such as cognitive behavioural therapy
Look after yourself too
Supporting someone through panic can be stressful. It’s okay to talk to someone about it afterwards.
Crisis support
If the person talks about suicide or self-harm, stay with them and call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 if they’re in immediate danger.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Chalmers KJ, Rossetto A, Reavley NJ, et al. Redevelopment of mental health first aid guidelines for supporting someone experiencing a panic attack: a Delphi study. BMC Psychol. 2022;10(1):136.
- Kelly CM, Jorm AF, Kitchener BA. Development of mental health first aid guidelines for panic attacks: a Delphi study. BMC Psychiatry. 2009;9:49.
- healthdirect. Panic attacks and panic disorder.
- Lifeline. Lifeline Australia.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.