DRABC

Danger

Danger

The first step in the DRABC procedure is to check for danger.

You have to know what injured the person and find out if that is still a risk to the area. For example, if a person appears like they have been electricuted, check to find the source of electricity and find out if it could still be harming them or if it is a danger to anybody else.

Response

Next you want to check to see if the injured person will respond to you.

There are many different ways to look for a response including whether they can talk, move, hear your voice, or even respond to being touched. You have to be careful while touching them, however, because shaking them can sometimes harm them even worse.

Response

Airway

Airway

One of the most important steps in the procedure is to check if the victim's airway is clear.

You want to check for a swallowed tongue, food/vomit, a mouth guard or dentures, and anything else that could block the airway. Their head might also be in a position that does not allow them to breathe properly. If this is the case, move their head as little as possible to fix the problem and not cause any more injuries.

Breathing

Breathing

Next you want to check if the person is breathing.

If the victim is unconscious, whether breathing or not, send urgent medical help. If you have had First Aid training, you can start to preform mouth-to-mouth. If you have not, you want to look up advice given by the Red Cross or other major organizations.

Circulation

Finally check and see if the persons blood is circulating. The easiest way is to check for a pulse.

Many professionals recommend checking for a pulse in the neck near the carotid artery. If the injured person does not have a pulse, a qualified person should perform external chest compressions. Someone who has not been trained should not attempt to perform these because he or she could further injure the person.

Circulation

Summary

D- Danger. Check to see what caused the injury and if it is still a danger to the people around or the victim.

R- Response. Find out if the person can respond to you somehow.

A- Airway. Check to see if anything is blocking his or her airway.

B- Breathing. See if the victim is breathing. Take appropriate actions and get help if needed.

C- Circulation. Check for his or her's pulse.

Summary

The DRABC procedure can save lives. It can let a person know how serious an injury is and how to get the best help for the person. It is important to know and understand the procedure to be able to get the best help.