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Difficulty: MediumBasic First Aid and Casualty Management

You have stopped safely to assist a pedestrian who is lying on the pavement following a road incident. In what chronological sequence should you conduct the DR ABC primary survey to assess the casualty?

  1. 1Check the surrounding area for hazards such as oncoming traffic, fire, or fallen wires to ensure the scene is safe.
  2. 2Gently shake the casualty's shoulders and ask loudly if they can hear you to assess their level of consciousness.
  3. 3Place one hand on the forehead and two fingers under the chin to gently tilt the head back and open the airway.
  4. 4Look, listen, and feel for normal chest movement and breath on your cheek for up to 10 seconds.
  5. 5Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance and immediately begin chest compressions if the casualty is not breathing normally.

Answer

The correct primary survey sequence follows the DR ABC protocol: check for Danger, assess Response, open the Airway, check Breathing, and initiate Circulation support (emergency call and CPR).
The standard DR ABC protocol prioritises life-saving actions in order of urgency: Danger (ensure scene safety), Response (assess consciousness), Airway (open the airway using head-tilt chin-lift), Breathing (check for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds), and Circulation (summon emergency services and begin CPR if not breathing normally).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the immediate environment for physical hazards before approaching the casualty.
Ensures the safety of yourself, bystanders, and the casualty.
You cannot assist a casualty effectively if you put yourself in danger and become injured.
2
Check for casualty responsiveness using verbal and gentle tactile stimuli.
Establishes whether the casualty is alert, responsive, or unconscious.
Knowing the casualty's level of response dictates whether immediate airway management is required.
3
Perform a gentle head-tilt chin-lift manoeuvre.
Lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat to clear the airway.
An unconscious casualty's airway can easily become obstructed by relaxed soft tissues.
4
Observe chest movement and listen/feel for air exchange for up to 10 seconds.
Determines whether the casualty has normal, regular breathing.
Agonal gasps or the absence of breathing indicates cardiac arrest requiring immediate resuscitation.
5
Call 999 or 112 and commence chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Maintains vital organ perfusion until advanced medical care arrives.
Immediate chest compressions significantly improve survival chances in cardiac arrest.

Key Concept

DR ABC Primary Survey Protocol for Emergency First Aid
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Basic First Aid and Casualty Management

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