First aid fact sheet - DRSABCD action plan

First aid fact sheet

In a medical emergency call Triple Zero (000)

DRSABCD DangerResponseSend for helpAirwayBreathingCPRDefibrillation

You could save a life with first aid training•www.stjohn.org.au•1300 360 455

This information is not a substitute for first aid training. Formal instruction in resuscitation is essential. St John Ambulance

Australia is not liable for any damages or incidents that may occur in the use of this information by other parties or individuals.

This is not for commercial distribution. © St John Ambulance Australia 2022.

DRSABCD action plan

Danger Check for danger and ensure the area is

safe for yourself, bystanders and the patient.

Response Check for a response: ask name and

squeeze shoulders. NO RESPONSE? Send for help.

RESPONSE? Make comfortable; monitor breathing

and response; manage severe bleeding and then

other injuries.

Send for help Call Triple Zero (000) for an

ambulance or ask a bystander to make the call. Stay

on the line. [If you are alone with the patient and you

have to leave to call for help, first turn the patient

into the recovery position before leaving.]

Airway Open the patient’s mouth and check for

foreign material. FOREIGN MATERIAL? Roll the

patient onto their side and clear the airway. NO

FOREIGN MATERIAL? Leave the patient in the

position found, and open the airway by tilting the

head back with a chin lift.

Breathing Check for breathing Look, listen and

feel for 10 seconds. NOT NORMAL BREATHING?

Ensure an ambulance has been called and start

CPR. NORMAL BREATHING? Place in the recovery

position and monitor breathing.

CPR Start CPR: 30 chest compressions followed

by 2 breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives, the

patient starts breathing, or you are physically unable

to continue.

Defibrillate Apply a defibrillator as soon as

possible and follow the voice prompts.