How to respond in an emergency situation

The two most important things you can do that will make a difference in an emergency situation is offer care for life-threatening problems, and call emergency personnel as quickly as possible.

It can be a frightening experience when you are faced with someone who has been injured in an accident, or when you have to deal with someone who suddenly becomes ill. When you help a casualty you must act calmly and with confidence and follow a clear plan to ensure that you are effectively managing the situation.

St John Ambulance recommends the DR ABC action plan for first aid management. DRABC stands for:

• Danger
• Response
• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

The plan is a vital aid in assessing if the injured or ill person has any life-threatening conditions and if any immediate first aid is necessary.

The DRABC Action Plan
D — check for DANGER — to you — to others — to the casualty

• Make sure that no one else gets hurt. You will not be able to help if you are also a casualty.
• Only proceed if it is safe to do so.

R — check for RESPONSE — is the casualty conscious?

• Gently shake the casualty and ask: "Can you hear me?" and "What is your name?"
• If the casualty is conscious check for and manage bleeding and other injuries.
• If the casualty is unconscious they should be turned on their side.

A — clear and open the AIRWAY; B — check BREATHING

• If the casualty is breathing ensure that they are in a stable position on their side, manage shock, control breathing and other injuries.
• If the casualty is not breathing start Expired Air Resuscitation - EAR (mouth to mouth).

C — check CIRCULATION — feel the pulse at the neck.

• If pulse is present continue EAR.
• If there is no pulse commence CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
• Seek medical aid