First Aid on Site -- DRSABCD
First Aid on Site -- DRSABCD
The first minutes matter most. The DRSABCD action plan and the CPR numbers, in the order you do them -- for the moment you hope never comes.
DRSABCD -- the action plan
| D -- Danger | Check the area is safe -- for you, bystanders, then the casualty |
| R -- Response | Squeeze the shoulders, ask their name: can you hear me? |
| S -- Send for help | Call 10177 for an ambulance (or 112 from a cellphone). Send someone for the first aid kit and defibrillator. |
| A -- Airway | Open and clear the airway -- tilt the head, lift the chin |
| B -- Breathing | Look, listen, feel -- is the breathing normal? |
| C -- CPR | Not breathing normally? 30 compressions to 2 breaths |
| D -- Defibrillation | Attach an AED as soon as it arrives and follow the voice prompts |
CPR numbers
| Compressions to breaths | 30:2 (all ages) |
| Compression rate | 100 to 120 per minute |
| Depth (adult) | About one-third of chest depth (around 5 cm) |
| Not trained or will not give breaths? | Compression-only CPR -- and do not stop until help takes over |
Reference only -- not a substitute for accredited first-aid training. SANS / OHS Act rules require trained first aiders and a stocked first aid box on site. In an emergency call 10177 (ambulance) or 112 from a cellphone.
Sources: Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa · OHS Act General Safety Regulations (first aid)
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