FACT SHEET
The St John DRABCD Action Plan
In an emergency, every second counts.
Knowing what to do and how to do it in those vital few seconds after an accident can make the difference between life and death. The St John DRABCD Action Plan is a six-step guide that will help you save a life:
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Check for Danger, to yourself, others and casualty at the accident scene. This is the critical first step otherwise you could be the next casualty and unable to help others.
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Check for a Response from the casualty — gently squeeze casualty’s shoulders and shout to see if the casualty is conscious.
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Now, check the Airway — open mouth and look for foreign material. If foreign material present, turn casualty into the recovery position while supporting the neck and spine, remove any foreign objects. If no foreign material present, leave casualty on back.
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Next, check Breathing — look, listen and feel for breathing:
+ If breathing, place casualty in the recovery position, check for signs of life regularly and manage any injuries. Seek medical aid.
+ If not breathing, call 000 for an ambulance. Turn casualty onto their back and tilt the head back. Lift chin to open the airway, pinch the nose closed and breathe into the casualty's mouth for about one second, watch chest rise and fall. Repeat sequence to give 2 initial breaths. Ensure the chest rises with each breath. -
Then check for signs of life:
+ If no signs of life: not breathing, not responding and not moving, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Kneel beside the casualty and place heel of hand on lower half of the breastbone. Place the other hand on top with fingers interlocked and raised (use 2 fingers for an infant). With arms straight, press down on the breastbone to depress about one third of chest depth. Release pressure and repeat compressions. After 30 compressions, tilt head, lift chin and give 2 breaths. Continue at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths (achieve 5 sets of 30:2 in 2 minutes). -
If casualty shows signs of life, place in recovery position, assess and manage any bleeding and other injuries. Continue to monitor casualty’s breathing, movement and consciousness until medical aid arrives.
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Attach a Defibrillator (if available) – follow voice prompts.
For More Information:
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