Responding to First Aid Incidents
Table of Contents
Scene Safety
Check for danger to yourself, bystanders and the casualty. Move only if needed for safety or to provide essential care.
DRSABCD Overview
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| D | Check for danger |
| R | Check for response |
| S | Send for help; call 000 |
| A | Open and check the airway |
| B | Check for normal breathing |
| C | Start CPR if not breathing normally |
| D | Attach and follow an AED |
Recognising Unresponsiveness
A casualty who does not respond to voice or gentle touch is unresponsive. Abnormal breathing includes gasping, irregular breathing or not breathing at all. Treat this as an emergency and call 000.
Chain of Survival
Survival is more likely when people recognise arrest early, call emergency services, start CPR, use an AED and transfer care to paramedics quickly.
Continuing or Stopping CPR
Continue CPR until:
- The casualty shows clear signs of recovery and normal breathing
- An AED or emergency responder instructs you to stop
- Another trained person takes over
- You are too exhausted to continue
- The scene becomes unsafe