At an incident, what should you do with a casualty who has stopped breathing?

Related Information

What does the DR ABC code stand for?

The abbreviation DRABC refers to the phases in the main survey method that every first aider must complete when they first come across a fatality and help them understand how to treat wounded persons in car accidents. DRABC is an acronym that stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. However, there is significant controversy as to whether they are sufficient measures in some circumstances.


What is the DRABC procedure?

Most people perform the basic DRABC technique in the following order:

Step 1: Danger

Before doing anything else, a first responder must assess the overall risk of the situation and whether it is safe for them or anybody else to be there. After all, if a first responder is harmed, they cannot assist the casualty. Failure to do a risk assessment may potentially endanger their own life and place more load on the emergency services once they arrive. Something that may interfere with the casualty's care.

Step 2: Reaction

The second stage is to determine whether or not the casualty can reply and offer information about their status. It is a crucial stage because even a no-response will inform the first aider about the severity of their casualty's condition. To assist you in carrying out step 2, remember the mnemonic AVPU:

- Check to check whether the victim is aware and alert. Are they moving or talking? If the response is no, move on to the V step.

- Speak to the victim clearly and loudly. When you do this, make sure you are in their line of sight. If the victim does not answer, move on to stage P.

- Place your hands on the casualty's collarbone and shake them forcefully. Continue to talk to them while doing this, informing them that you are a first responder attempting to assist them. If you do not receive an answer, go to stage U.

- Unresponsive: After completing the preceding procedures with no reaction, you can mark the victim as unresponsive.

Step 3: Airways

You must examine their airway once you have determined that their victim is unresponsive. The airway is an important stage since you will be trying to figure out why the victim is unresponsive at this time. Place the victim on their back and gently tip their head back with two fingers on their forehead and two on their chin to examine their airway. Lift their mouth and open their airways with your fingertips on their chin.

Step 4: Breathing

After you've opened your casualty's airway, check for evidence of regular breathing for 10 seconds. If they are not breathing, are breathing rarely, or are breathing strangely, go to step 5. Place the victim in the recovery position if they are unconscious but breathing properly (when it is safe to do so).

Step 5: Dial 999 or circulating

If your victim is not breathing, dial 999 immediately. Do not begin CPR until you have dialed 911. If the emergency services can reach your casualty soon, they will have a greater chance of survival. If you are alone, use your speakerphone to make the call. Instruct others around you to get an AEB as you perform CPR.