The approach that we use when assessing a casualty is DR ABCDE
On this page we have some useful information and videos which we use when treating a casualty.
The DR ABCDE steps are summarised in the table below:
D |
Danger | • Is the surrounding area safe? • Look for danger • Why has the casualty become a casualty in the first place? |
R |
Response | • Is the casualty conscious or not? • Introduce yourself • Squeeze and shout |
A |
Airway | • If unconscious, look in the mouth for obstruction and clear if you can • Open the airway using head tilt/chin lift manoeuvre |
B |
Breathing | • Is the casualty breathing? • Look, listen and feel for breathing – 10 secondsIf not breathing normally, start CPR |
C |
Circulation | • Is the heart working? • Look for colour, check pulse • Look for major bleeding and treat if found |
D |
Deformity | • Examine the casualty from head to toe • Look, listen and feel for deformity, swelling, bruising, loss of function, bleeding, pain • Compare one side of the body with the other |
| Place unconscious casualty in safe airway/recovery position | ||
E |
Emotion | • Reassure casualty • Talk to them as much as you can • Monitor vital signs • Consider the environment |
Primary Survey
Hands only CPR
Baby CPR
Save a choking baby
