The DRSABCD or Basic First Aid Action Plan is the start of all treatment.
This plan will identify any life threatening injuries the casualty may be suffering from that will need urgent attention.
D – Danger – Is the Area Safe?
R – Response – Check for a Response. Is the casualty conscious?
S -
A – Airway -
B – Breathing -
ü If breathing is absent or the casualty is having breathing difficulties and no signs of life are present commence CPR.
Examination of the Casualty:
LOOK, FEEL, OBSERVE, AND LISTEN
Look for visible signs of injuries.
? Does the casualty have a medical alert necklace or bracelet?
? Does the casualty have a tattoo on the inside of their wrist with a medical problem written there?
? Is the casualty pale, sweaty, blue?
? Is the casualty bleeding?
? Are there any wounds, puncture marks, contusions?
Are they suffering symptoms?
Ask them:
? Do they have a headache?
? Are they in pain? If so where does it hurt?
? Do they feel sick, dizzy, or unwell?
? What happened?
Find out the casualty’s history
If the casualty is conscious then take down a History. If they are unconscious, ask their friends and family or bystanders for help.
? Do they suffer from any allergies?
? Have they had any previous illnesses?
? Are they on any medications?
? When was the last time the casualty had anything to eat or drink, and what it was?
? What is their name and age?
Complete a Head to Toe Examination
Look and feel the head and neck
Don’t let the casualty move their head or neck.
ü Run your fingers gently over the head and neck and look and feel for any bleeding, swelling, or lumps.
ü Look at the face, nose, mouth and ears. Is there any bleeding or clear fluids running from the ears or nose?
? Are there any loose or knocked out teeth?
? Can the casualty talk and move their mouth?
? Is there any pain or deformities?
? Are their pupils equal in size?
Look, listen and feel the chest
ü Watch the rise and fall of the chest.
ü Notice any increase in breathing or difficulty in breathing
? Does the rib cage look deformed?
? Can you hear noisy breathing, a sucking noise or gurgling?
? Is there pain on breathing?
Look, and feel the abdomen
? Is there any visible bleeding?
? Is there any pain in the region?
? Is there any swelling, bruising, trauma?
? Check the pelvis – does it hurt?
Look and feel the limbs
? Are there any deformities, bruising, swelling, or bleeding?
? Have the limbs a loss of strength, movement or feeling?
? Is there numbness, pins and needles, or pain?
? Is the limb cold to touch and/or blue in colour?
? Are there any puncture wounds?
Look and feel the spine
If the casualty has no pain or pins and needles, then gently log roll the casualty into the lateral position, supporting the neck and head.
ü Look at the neck and spine.
ü Feel for deformities.
ü Check for bleeding, bruising, swelling or lacerations.
If pain is felt in the back or the casualty complains of pins and needles
or numbness in the legs or arms
DO NOT MOVE THE CASUALTY
Signs and Symptoms are missed in First Aid by rushing and not
examining the casualty thoroughly
Vital Signs
Vital signs consist of the pulse, respirations, skin colour and the level of consciousness. The pulse and respirations are counted over one minute. Do not take the pulse with your thumb, as your thumb has a pulse in it.
Normal Vital Signs
Pulse Rate Respiration Rate Blood Volume
Adult 72 average 15 breaths per minute 6 litres
Older child 9 -
Child 1 – 8 90 average 20 breaths per minute 2.5 litres
Infant >1 120 average 30 breaths per minute 750mls
