It’s best to stay with a person who is
injured so you can monitor them and keep
them calm. Ask someone else to call an
ambulance, if possible. If the injured person’s
breathing stops, it must be started again
immediately to save their life – follow the
DRSABCD Action Plan.
DRSABCD Action Plan
D
=
Danger
As in all first aid situations you need to
assess the risk to your personal safety first,
the safety of the casualty second, and lastly
that of anyone else in the area. Move the
casualty only if danger exists.
R
=
Response
Check for a response from the casualty by
gently touching them on the hand, cheek or
shoulders and asking, for example, “Can you
hear me?”, “Open your eyes”, “Squeeze my
hand”. Remember to always be respectful.
If you get no response, send for help. If
conscious, check for bleeding.
S
= Send for help
This is a very important addition to the
previous DRABC plan as there have
been many situations where the first aider
has become so focused on the patient’s
injuries that they overlooked the need to call
for assistance. In many situations it is not
easy to raise the alarm once you have
started treatment. Remember to send for
help if required.
A
= Check, clear and open the Airway
Look inside the casualty’s mouth and check
if there is any foreign matter which may
cause a choke hazard or block their airway.
If there is, clear the airway either by sweeping
it out by hand or by rolling them onto their
side to allow any fluids to drain away. Once
any foreign material has been removed from
the airway, gently open the casualty’s airway.
With one hand on their forehead and the
other supporting their jaw, gently tilt their
head back and open their mouth.
B
= Look, listen and feel for normal Breathing
To check for normal breath sounds, place
a hand on the casualty’s chest and bring
your ear down towards their mouth. Look to
see if their chest rises and falls by watching
your hand on their chest. Listen for normal
breath sounds and see if you can feel their
breath against your cheek. If the casualty
is breathing normally, place them in the
recovery position. If they are not breathing
normally, commence Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR).
Learn what to do in an emergency and be prepared. Do a
first aid course through St John Ambulance and keep a well-
stocked first aid kit in your home.
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