Know what to do
before help arrives.

DRSABCD — first look at any emergency

• Danger: make sure the scene is safe.
• Response: check whether the person responds.
• Send for help: call 000 or have someone call.
• Airway: check and clear the airway if needed.
• Breathing: check for normal breathing.
• CPR: start CPR if they are not breathing normally.
• Defibrillation: use an AED and follow its prompts.

CPR & AED

For a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally, Australian basic-life-support guidance uses 30 compressions to 2 breaths, at about 100–120 compressions a minute. If you are unwilling or unable to give breaths, doing chest compressions is better than doing nothing.

AED

Turn it on, attach the pads as shown and follow the voice prompts. Keep interruptions to chest compressions as short as possible.

Choking

If the person can cough effectively, encourage coughing and watch closely. For severe obstruction with an ineffective cough, send for an ambulance and give up to 5 back blows, checking after each one. If unsuccessful, give up to 5 chest thrusts, checking after each. If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR.

Bleeding & shock

Severe bleeding can become life-threatening quickly. Call 000 for major bleeding, apply firm direct pressure with a dressing or clean material, and keep monitoring the person. Do not remove an embedded object; apply pressure around it. Keep the person still and watch breathing and responsiveness.

Burns & scalds

Remove the person from the source if it is safe. Cool the burn with cool running water and seek medical help for serious burns. Do not use ice, butter or household creams. Remove jewellery or clothing near the burn if it is not stuck.

Anaphylaxis & asthma

Severe allergic reactions and severe breathing problems can deteriorate rapidly. Follow the person's own action plan and prescribed reliever/adrenaline device, call 000 for anaphylaxis or severe symptoms, and keep monitoring breathing and response.

Stroke, seizure & unconsciousness

For suspected stroke, call 000 promptly. During a seizure, protect the person from injury, do not restrain them and do not put anything in their mouth. After the seizure, check airway and breathing and place an unconscious breathing person in a safe side position while monitoring them.

Injuries & environmental emergencies

This module covers fractures, suspected head/neck/spinal injury, bites and stings, poisoning, heat illness, cold exposure and drowning. The first rule is scene safety, followed by DRSABCD and early emergency help when the injury or illness is serious.