DRSABCD is an acronym used to remember the steps for CPR under the pressure of a medical emergency. Should you find yourself in an emergency situation where someone is unconscious or not breathing properly and you’re the only one around who can help, the last thing you want to do is panic or freeze up. A first aider skilled in CPR can drastically increase a person’s chances of survival, and even an ordinary person without formal training in first aid techniques can take these life-saving steps. Some first aid is always better than none at all, so by knowing the meaning of DRSABCD you could save a life.
What Does DRSABCD Stand For in First Aid and CPR?
DRSABCD represents the seven stages of CPR. These are: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and Defibrillation. CPR as a whole is a complex process with dozens of things to remember, and breaking it down into these seven steps makes it easier to recall the immediate first aid processes to follow in an emergency.
D For Danger
The most important person in any emergency situation is the first responder. If that’s you, then you need to assess the situation by checking the scene for danger before jumping into action. The last thing you want is to put yourself in danger and risk becoming a casualty yourself.
If there are dangers present, such as fire, electricity, hazardous chemicals, or dangerous animals, do not enter the situation to help the person. You can move the person away from dangers if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, stay back and call for professional help.
R For Response
If you can safely reach the person then the next step is to check to see if they are unconscious. Look for a response by talking to the person, or by touching their hands, or squeezing their shoulder. If they are conscious then ask them if they need help, otherwise continue the steps of DRSABCD.
S For Send For Help (Call Triple Zero)
Your next task needs to be to call for help immediately. Dial triple zero, or if there are other bystanders have someone else make the call for you so you can continue the DRSABCD steps. If you are alone, call 000 yourself and put the phone on speaker.
A For Airway
Next you need to check the person’s airway for blockages. Place the person on their back and tilt their head back slightly, then place your hand on their chin, then lift the mouth open. Look inside the mouth for any foreign material such as food, vomit, or objects. If you see a blockage, carefully remove it with your fingers. Never perform a blind finger sweep as you can push any unseen obstructions even deeper.
B For Breathing
Once you’ve confirmed their airway is clear, look for signs of breathing. See if their chest rises and falls, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for air coming from their nose or mouth. If the person is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position by rolling them onto their side with their head tilted back to keep the airway open. If they are not breathing or only gasping, you must start CPR immediately.
C For Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
The next step in DRSABCD is to perform CPR if they are not breathing properly. Start by laying the person flat on their back.
Start with 30 chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest with your other hand on top and press down firmly, about a third of the depth into their chest. Repeat this at a rate of one compression every 1–2 seconds for 30 compressions.
Next give the person 2 rescue breaths. Tilt their head back, pinch their nose closed, and exhale a full breath into their mouth, watching to make sure their chest rises. If it doesn’t then there may be obstructions or their head may not be tilted correctly. If it does rise, repeat again for 2 breaths.
Continue CPR in this cycle until the person responds, emergency services arrive, or you are physically unable to continue.
D For Defibrillation
When a person has suffered cardiac arrest or a heart attack, you’ll need to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in between each CPR cycle. An AED is designed so that anyone could use it with simple picture guides and direct voice prompts for you to follow.
If an AED is required, attach the pads to the victim’s chest. The device will analyse a person’s heartbeat, and prompt you to deliver a shock if one is required.
Learn First Aid and to Perform CPR
Knowing the DRSABCD steps is a great place to start and can help you provide medical assistance to someone in their most dire moments. Knowing helps, but action helps more. While it remains true that some CPR is always better than none at all, by enrolling in a first aid and CPR training course you can truly learn how to deliver this life saving technique.
Practice makes perfect, and taking a first aid course you’ll be as prepared as you can possibly be to save lives in life-threatening situations. Hands-on training builds the muscle memory that can give a person their best chance of survival until professional help arrives. Don’t wait until it’s too late, enrol in basic first aid training before you need it so you can one day save a life.
FAQs
What is HLTAID011 Provide First Aid training?
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is the nationally recognised first aid certification in Australia. This accredited course teaches comprehensive emergency response skills including CPR, basic life support, and treatments for conditions like fractures, burns, asthma, and anaphylaxis. The certification requires renewal every 3 years with CPR updated annually.
What Are the Signs Someone is in Cardiac Arrest?
The primary signs of cardiac arrest are sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no normal breathing. The person will collapse without warning and become completely unresponsive. Some people experience chest pain or shortness of breath beforehand, but many cases occur without any warning signs.
What if I Can't Call an Ambulance in an Emergency?
If you don’t have the means to contact an ambulance, the “Send for Help” step shifts to whatever alternatives you have available. Have someone else go find or call help while you remain with the victim, or if you’re remote use an emergency phone, satellite phone, emergency radio, or whatever else you have available. Transport the person only if it is safe to do so.
