The basic first aid that is given to a casualty immediately after an accident can make the difference between a minor injury and a long stay in hospital or even death.
Try to remember the primary assessment abbreviated to: DRABC or DR ABC.
| D: Danger | Check the area for danger and do not approach if it unsafe or there is a risk of further injury to yourself or the casualty. |
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| R: Response | Check the casualty for a response: gently shake the casualty and ask if they can hear you. If they are responsive: get details of what happened and assess the casualty yourself. If in any doubt about their condition you must get professional help for them. If they are unresponsive: quickly shout for help and try to attract attention to someone to come over to you. |
| A: Airway | Open the casualties airway by gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. |
| B: Breathing | Check for breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for 10 seconds.
If normal breathing is not detected:
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| C: Circulation | A quick check for a severe bleed injury. A severe bleed must be dealt with immediately. |
| Shout for help! | This should be done when appropriate, not at a set point in the Primary Assessment. |
| Position Correctly | Make sure the casualty in in a suitable position to maintain their airway and assist breathing. |
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| Body Check | A thorough check of casualty for injuries and relevant information. |
| Information | Get as much relevant information about the casualty as possible. S.A.M.P.L.E questions can be used to help gather information. |