First Aid - The DRABC Action Plan

When you approach the scene of an accident or emergency, follow the DRABC Action Plan:

DRABC

DANGER

RESPOND

AIRWAY

BREATHING

CIRCULATION

EAR(mouth-to-mouth resuscitation)

Successful CPR

- to you

- to other

- to the casualty

make sure that no one elso gets hurt. You will not be able to help if you are also a casualty
only proceed if it is safe to do so.

- is the casualty consious?

gently shake the casualty and ask : 'Can you hear me?' , 'What is your name?'
if the casualty is conscious,check for and manage bleeding and other injuries
if the casualty is unconscious,he/she should be turned on the side.

Turning an unconscious casualty on the side to clear and open the airway

Kneel beside the casualty.
Place the casualty's farther arm at a right angle to the body.
Place the nearer arm across the chest.
Bend the nearer knee up.
Roll the casualty away from you.Support the casualty in this position until airway and breathing have been checked.

A Clear and open the AIRWAY

Clearing the airway

with the casualty supported on the side,tilt the head backwards and slightly down.
Open the mouth and clear any foreign object.Only remove dentures if loose or broken.

Opening the airway

Clearing the airway

WIth the casualty supported on the side,tilt the head backwards and slightly down.
Open the mouth and clear any foreign objects.Only remove dentures if loose or broken.

Opening the airway

- look for the chest rising and falling.

- listen for the sound of breathing

- feel woth your cheek

if the casualty is breathing , ensure that he/she is in a stable side position. Check for and managed bleeding and other injuries.
if the casualty is not breathing . turn onto the back and commence EAR (expired air resuscitation) , giving 5 full breaths in 10 seconds.

Knee beside the casualty.
Keep the casualty's ehad tilted back.
Pinch the casualty's nostrils with your fingers or seal with your cheek.
Lift the jaw forward with your other hand.
Take a deep breath and open your mouth wide.
Place your mouth firmly over the casualty's mouth making an airtight seal.
Breathe into the casualty's mouth.
Remove your mouth and turn your head to observe the chest fall and listen or feel for exhaled air.
If the chest does not rise and fall , check head tilt position first , then check for and clear foreign objects in the airway.
Give 5 full breaths in 10 seconds , then check the carotid (neck) pulse for 5 seconds. If pulse is present, continue EAR at the rate of 15 breaths per minute.

feel the pulse at the neck (carotid pulse)
if pulse is present , continue EAR at the rate of 15 breaths per minute. Check breathing anf the pulse after 1 minute, then after every 2 minutes
if pulse is not present, commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
check breathing and the pulse after 1 minute , then after every2 minutes. If the pulse returns, continue EAR. If breathing returns , turn the casualty to a stable side position. Check for and manage shock, bleeding and other injuries
seek medical aid.