DRABCD
DRABCD can be used at any time when a person is injured – the number of steps that takes place depends on the injury.
The Australian Resuscitation Council says that any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.
DRABCD stands for:
D = Danger
R = Response
A = Airway
B = Breathing
C = CPR
D = Defibrillator (if available)
DRABC has always been taught in first aid courses and now a second D has been added – defibrillator.
Defibrillators are external machines used to increase the chance of survival for a casually suffering fibrillation. Fibrillation is a life threatening condition in which the heart beats so fast that the casualty doesn't have adequate circulation to sustain life, therefore they become unconscious with no breathing.
Defibrillators are now often located in airports, shopping centres, corporate and government offices, restaurants, hotels, sports stadiums and schools, and if available should be used to help resuscitate a casualty, hence why it's important to know how to use one.
D = Danger
Check for any dangers to you, to the casualty or bystanders.
R = Response
Assess whether the casualty is conscious or unconscious.
Approach the casualty so they can hear you, introduce yourself, gently squeeze your shoulders and remember the COWS rule:
Can you hear me?
Open your eyes
What's your name?
Squeeze my hands
For a baby, try to get a response by tickling feet, rubbing the forehead and by talking to them. Any sign is a sign of consciousness.
For the conscious casualty, all you need to do is calmly manage injuries whilst providing reassurance.
No response indicates that the casualty is unconscious and it's important to get help as quickly as possible. Call an ambulance – and ensure that the call has been made. Don't assume.
A = Airway
Check whether the casualty's airway is clear. The airway can be obstructed from items such as food, vomit, teeth, bloody, toys etc. Even the tongue can block the airway.
Have the casualty on their back or side. If the casualty is found on their back or side, keep them in that position.
Gently open the casualty's mouth and look inside.
Use a finger to scoop any foreign materials out.
B = Breathing
After an unconscious casualty's airway is cleared, the next step is to check for sings of life. This is done by the "Look, Listen, Feel" method.
Gently place your hand on the diaphragm (above the belly button, under the ribs) and put your ear (without touching) over the casualty's nose and mouth.
LOOK at your hand – is it rising and falling with the casualty's breathing?
LISTEN for any breathing with your ear close to the casualty's mouth?
FEEL for any evidence of breathing both with your hand on the casualty's diaphragm and for any breath on your ear.
Do this for 10 seconds.
If the casualty is breathing, put them in the recovery position. This is laying on the side, head tilted back and mouth tilted towards the ground.
If the casualty is not breathing, give them two rescue breaths. This differs depending on age.
Baby (up to 12 months of age): No head tilt is required (though chin should not be on the chest). Put your mouth over the baby's nose and mouth. Blow two very soft "puffs" of air into the baby's lungs - about the same force as blowing out a candle, which is quick and small.
Child (between 1 and 8 years): ½ a head tilt is required. Place on hand on the forehead, the other on the chin (not the throat) and tilt the head back ½ way. Pinch the child's nose closed and completely cover the child's mouth with your mouth. Blow two small breaths of air into the child's lungs.
Adult (age 9 years and above): Full head tilt is required. Place on hand on the forehead, the other on the chin (not the throat) and tilt the head back as far back as it will naturally go without force. Pinch the casualty's nose closed. Completely cover the casualty's mouth with your mouth. Blow two full breaths of air into the casualty's lungs.
C = CPR
If the casualty is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR immediately.
Baby: Place your index and middle fingers in the centre of the baby's chest, between the nipples.
Child/Adult: Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the chest, between the casualty's nipples (your middle finger in line with the casualty's armpit for an adult).
Regardless of age, give 30 compressions over 15 seconds (ie. 2 compressions per second), at 1/3 depth of the casualty's chest.
After the 30 compressions, give two breaths of air, being mindful of the casualty's age determining head tilt and breath.
Continue this cycle of 30 compressions / 2 breaths until the ambulance not only arrives, but physically takes over from you.
D = Defibrillator
If available, apply the defibrillator machine and follow the voice prompts.
