Primary survey
Primary survey
When arriving at the scene of an accident it is important to ensure it is safe for you to approach and then to prioritise what injuries need dealing with first. The primary survey helps the first aider to recognise life threatening illnesses and injuries.
The human body needs oxygen to survive, just 3 minutes without oxygen starves the brain cells and they start to die. Most people will die within 10 minutes of total oxygen deprivation. It is crucial that first aiders recognise and treat conditions where oxygen isn’t getting to the body and do not concern themselves with minor injuries first.
Following the steps of the primary survey will ensure that life threatening illnesses and injuries are dealt with first. It also helps when there are multiple casualties to determine who to help first.
D- Danger
R – Response
A – Airway
B – Breathing
C – Circulation
DRABC
Danger
Make sure you are safe before going to help, do not put yourself at risk. Check that the casualty and bystanders are safe; for example does the traffic need controlling?
Response
Ask the casualty if they are ok while gently shaking or tapping their shoulders.
Airway
If there is no response check the airway. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
Breathing
Check for breathing for 10 seconds by looking for chest movement, listening for breath sounds or feeling for expired air.
Be aware of Agonal Breaths (gasping, shallow or irregular breathing) – this isn’t normal breathing.
Circulation
Check for any life-threatening circulation problems that need treatment:
Severe bleeding
Heart attack
Anaphylaxis
