Ballina First aid courses

DRSABCD Free Wall Chart Downloadable

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) provides guidelines for basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using the DRSABCD acronym. This acronym represents a systematic approach to assessing and providing immediate assistance to a person in need. Keep in mind that guidelines may have been updated since then, so it’s essential to refer to the latest ARC guidelines for the most accurate information. Here’s an outline of the DRSABCD approach:

  1. D – Danger: Ensure the safety of yourself, bystanders, and the person in distress. Assess the situation for potential hazards that could endanger anyone, such as traffic, electrical hazards, fire, or dangerous substances. If the area is unsafe, try to move the person to a safer location if possible.

  2. R – Response: Check for the person’s responsiveness by tapping their shoulders and asking loudly, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, the person could be unconscious or unresponsive.

  3. S – Send for Help: If the person is unresponsive, quickly call for professional medical help by dialing the appropriate emergency number (such as 000 in Australia). If someone is available, ask them to call for help while you continue with the assessment and initial care.

  4. A – Airway: Gently tilt the person’s head back to open their airway. This helps to clear any potential obstructions in the person’s throat or mouth. If you suspect a neck or spinal injury, use the jaw-thrust maneuver instead of tilting the head.

  5. B – Breathing: After opening the airway, look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, start CPR immediately.

  6. C – CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, slightly above the lower half of the sternum. Place the other hand on top of the first hand and interlock the fingers. Perform chest compressions at about 100-120 compressions per minute and to a depth of about 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches). After 30 compressions, provide 2 rescue breaths (30:2 compression-to-breath ratio) using proper technique. ANZCOR suggests that those who are trained and willing to give breaths do so for all people who are unresponsive and not breathing normally.

  7. D – Defibrillation: If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow its instructions for attaching the pads and delivering a shock if advised. Early defibrillation can significantly improve the chances of survival in cases of cardiac arrest.