What are the 5 steps of first aid?

The five steps of first aid, often referred to as the DRSABCD action plan, provide a structured approach to assessing and responding to an emergency situation. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Danger

  • Check for any immediate danger to yourself, the injured person, or others nearby.
  • Ensure the area is safe before proceeding.
  • Avoid putting yourself at risk during the rescue process.

Before helping someone, you must ensure the area is safe for yourself, the injured person, and others around. Look out for potential hazards such as fire, unstable structures (broken power lines, fallen trees, broken buildings etc), sharp objects, or traffic. Acting without assessing the danger can lead to further injuries, making the situation worse.

Eliminating risks might include moving the injured person to safety or clearing away obstacles.

2. Response

  • Check if the injured or ill person is responsive by asking simple questions or gently tapping them.
  • Look for signs of consciousness, such as movement or verbal responses.
  • If unresponsive, move to the next step.

Check whether the injured person is conscious by asking questions like, “Can you hear me?” or “What is your name?” You can also gently tap their shoulders to gauge a response. Assess their level of alertness and look for signs of responsiveness such as eye movement or verbal cues.

If they respond, you can provide reassurance and proceed with further assessments. If they are unresponsive, this indicates a more serious situation, and you should move to the next steps immediately.

3. Send for Help

  • Call emergency services (000).
  • Provide clear and concise information about the location, nature of the incident, and the person’s condition.

Once you’ve determined the person needs assistance, call emergency services right away. Dial 000. Provide clear details, including your location, what happened, and the person’s condition.

If someone else is present, delegate the task of calling for help while you stay with the injured person. The faster emergency services are contacted, the sooner professional assistance can arrive, which is critical in life-threatening situations.

4. Airway

  • Check if the airway is clear.
  • Tilt the head back gently and lift the chin to open the airway.
  • Remove any visible obstructions, such as food or objects, but do not blindly sweep the mouth.

The airway must be clear for the person to breathe. Check if the airway is blocked by gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Look for any obstructions such as food, vomit, or objects. If something is visible, carefully remove it using your fingers, but avoid sweeping blindly inside the mouth as this may push the blockage further in.

A clear airway ensures oxygen flow, which is vital for survival. Even a partially blocked airway can restrict breathing, so addressing this step promptly can make a life-saving difference.

5. Breathing

  • Check for normal breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for breaths for up to 10 seconds.
  • If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor them until help arrives.
  • If they are not breathing, start CPR.

Once the airway is clear, check if the person is breathing. Look for chest movements, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek. Spend no more than 10 seconds checking for these signs.

If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor their condition until help arrives. If they are not breathing, start CPR immediately, alternating between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths. Breathing is essential for delivering oxygen to the brain, and quick action can significantly impact survival rates.

These steps ensure you respond effectively to emergencies, providing the best chance of survival and recovery for the person in need. Always consider taking a formal first aid course for hands-on training and certification.

Business Wise First Aid Training is a reputed first aid course and certification provider in Newcastle, NSW. Contact us today to learn more.

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