First Aid ABCs
ABC OF FIRST AID
The examination of the victim consists of a primary survey, during which the essential life-saving functions of the body are assessed and ensured, and a secondary survey, during which other injuries are identified and treated.
The sequence of primary survey and first aid actions is combined into the mnemonic DR ABCD. When conducting the examination and providing assistance following the DR ABCD principle, each “letter” is assessed and stabilized immediately (e.g., if “B” – not breathing, provide breaths), only then moving on to the next “letter.” In critical situations, remember the first aid DR ABCD principle.
| D (Danger) – Danger | Assess the danger to yourself, the victim, and bystanders before approaching the accident scene. If necessary and if it does not pose a danger to you, remove any danger to the victim or move the victim to a safe place. |
| R (Response) – Response | Assess consciousness. Call emergency medical services. If the victim is unconscious, request a defibrillator (see “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation”). Provide the victim with initial comfortable positioning. |
| A (Airway) – Airway | If you suspect a spinal injury, stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position. Ensure that the airway is open. |
| B (Breathing) – Breathing | Assess and ensure breathing. |
| C (Circulation) – Circulation | Assess and ensure circulation. Control bleeding. |
| D (Defibrillation, Disability) – Defibrillation, Disability assessment | If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, perform defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (see “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation”). If the victim is conscious, assess the condition of the nervous system. |
After performing the primary survey, providing assistance following the DR ABCD principle, and ensuring that the vital life functions (consciousness, breathing, circulation) are intact and the victim is not bleeding, a secondary survey is conducted:
- Interview the victim and witnesses (complaints, allergies, medications taken, past or present illnesses, pregnancy, time of last meal, circumstances of the incident).
- Examine and palpate the victim from head to toe.
- Dress wounds, immobilize fractured body parts.
- Monitor vital functions: consciousness, breathing, circulation (pulse).
- Place the victim in the final best position.
- Cover the victim to prevent hypothermia.
- Do not give anything to drink, eat, or smoke.