First Aid - The Essential Basics

• Remain Calm and in Control
  Do nothing to add further tension to the situation. The victim and the events will already cause a tense situation do nothing to add to the tension but try to calm it down instead.
  
  
• DR. ABC
  The letters in DR.ABC tell you the basics of what you should do in a First Aid situation:
  
  
  • D - Danger
    Check the danger and source of the injury inflicted to the victim. Make sure the danger has passed and the surrounding are safe. There is no use of becoming a victim yourself. Assess the situation.
  • R - Response
    Check the Response of the victim by simply asking them how they are. If they can answer your question then that tells you that the victim is conscious, breathing and that the heart is working. If the victim is unable to response move onto the ABC:
  • A - Airway
    Make sure that the victim has an open airway. Tilting the head back with the chin facing up will clear an airway.
  • B - Breathing
    Make sure that the victim is breathing by looking at breathing signs, listening to exhales and feeling air coming out of the mouth or nose.
  • C - Circulation
    Make sure that the victim has blood circulation. Check for a pulse and visual signs such as complexion and blinking of the eyes.
  
  
• Send for Professional Help
  If you are with multiple people assign one person to call for aid. If you have a mobile phone or other way of reaching the outside world, use it. Explain calmly and clearly the location of the accident and the condition of the victim. For more information read our section on Contacting Rescue Services.