DRSABCD is a first aid action plan – a step-by-step process to follow in an emergency to assess and manage life-threatening conditions before professional help arriveshealthywa.wa.gov.auasset.edu.au. Each letter in “DRSABCD” stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and Defibrillation asset.edu.au. This acronym is taught in first aid courses (e.g. by St John Ambulance, Red Cross) as part of basic life support protocol to ensure clear thinking under pressure and that no critical step is forgotten in a crisisstjohn.org.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au. By following DRSABCD, a first aider can quickly stabilize a patient and greatly increase their chances of survival until emergency medical services take overbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Before going into actual explanation we encourage you to take enrollment in the first aid courses that we are offering so that you can save the lives of your love ones, and if you have already the knowledge and skill-set to defend your loved ones from harm then First aid Products that will help you to safegaurd your loves ones .
Below, we break down each step in detail.
Danger (Check for Danger)
The first priority is D – Danger: survey the scene for any hazards to yourself, the casualty (injured/ill person), and bystandersstjohn.org.au. Ensure the area is safe before approaching the patientstjohn.org.au. Look out for things like oncoming traffic at an accident, live electrical wires, fire or smoke, sharp objects, unstable structures, or aggressive people/animals that could cause further injuryasset.edu.au. Less obvious dangers include slippery surfaces, hazardous chemicals, or deep water currents – anything that might turn one emergency into twoaccidentalddi.com.auaccidentalddi.com.au.
If possible, eliminate or avoid the hazards (e.g. turn off power, use hazard lights, move the patient out of danger) without putting yourself at riskasset.edu.au. Never rush in blindly: you won’t help the casualty by becoming a victim yourself. For example, in a roadside accident, check for traffic and fuel leaks; in a home incident, ensure appliances are off to avoid electrical shockaccidentalddi.com.au. If a person is in water and you suspect a spinal injury, consider waiting for trained rescuers with proper equipment if it’s unsafe for you to enter. Always prioritize personal safety and bystander safety before rendering first aidasset.edu.auasset.edu.au.
Infection control is also part of “danger.” Protect yourself from blood or body fluids by using personal protective equipment if available. Ideally put on disposable gloves and use a resuscitation mask (face shield) to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids like blood, vomit or salivabetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au. This not only protects you but also the patient from cross-infection. Most first aid kits contain gloves and a CPR face mask – use them if at hand. In a suspected contagious disease situation (e.g. during a COVID-19 outbreak), if you don’t have protective gear, you may opt to perform chest compressions only (hands-only CPR) without rescue breaths to reduce infection riskbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Once you’ve confirmed the scene is safe and you’ve taken standard precautions, you can move on to assessing the patient’s condition.
Response (Check for Responsiveness)
Next is R – Response: check if the person is conscious and responsive to youstjohn.org.au. Talk to the victim loudly and touch them (shake their shoulder or tap gently) to see if there’s any reactionasset.edu.auasset.edu.au. A common approach is the “COWS” technique – calling out: Can you hear me?, Open your eyes, What’s your name?, Squeeze my handmyfirstaidcourse.com.aumyfirstaidcourse.com.au. This sequence uses voice commands and a simple pain stimulus (pressure on the shoulder or hand) to gauge responsiveness.
- If the person responds (e.g. answers, groans, blinks, or moves when prompted), they are at least semi-conscious. This is a good sign – it means they have an open airway and blood circulating to the brain. Keep them comfortable and monitor their statestjohn.org.au. Do a quick check for any obvious injuries or medical alert tags. Manage urgent issues like severe bleeding first, and treat other injuries as needed while waiting for helpstjohn.org.au. For example, if responsive and breathing, you might help them into a comfortable position, control any bleeding, and continually observe their level of responsivenessstjohn.org.au. Stay with them and be ready to provide information to paramedics when they arrive.
- If there is no response (the person remains unconscious, not moving or speaking), they are likely unconscious – this is an emergency. Shout for help and immediately proceed to the next step of calling emergency servicesstjohn.org.auasset.edu.au. An unresponsive person may not be breathing normally and could be in cardiac arrest, so rapid action is critical. Note: If the casualty briefly wakes or groans but then lapses back into unresponsiveness, treat it as no response and continue with the DRSABCD steps.
When checking response, remember AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) as a quick mental scale: is the person alert, do they respond to voice, do they respond to pain, or unresponsive to all? Any level below “Alert” means they need close monitoring. Time is crucial if someone is unresponsive. After a quick check, if no clear response, don’t delay – move on to calling for help and airway management.
Send for Help (Call Emergency Services)
S – Send for help: As soon as you identify a serious incident or an unresponsive casualty, call emergency services immediatelyasset.edu.austjohn.org.au. In Australia, dial Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance (this number also works for police or fire). From a mobile phone you can also dial 112, which redirects to the emergency line, and if you have a teleprinter/TTY or need SMS relay (for hearing/speech impaired), you can use 106asset.edu.au. Stay calm and speak clearly to the operator, giving the necessary details: what has happened, your exact location, how many people are injured, and the condition of the patientasset.edu.auasset.edu.au. The dispatcher will also ask questions and may give first aid instructions – stay on the line until they tell you to hang up.
If others are around, delegate the call – for example, point to a specific person and say “You, call 000 now” – so that you can continue to assist the casualty. Put the phone on speaker if possible, so you can both talk to dispatch and tend to the patient simultaneously. Do not leave the casualty if avoidable, especially if they are unconscious and not in a safe posture. However, if you are alone and must step away to call for help, place the person in the recovery position first to protect their airway (on their side, as described later) before leaving them to make the callstjohn.org.au. This minimizes the risk of airway blockage while you’re briefly away.
Modern tools can assist in calling help: for instance, the free Emergency Plus app in Australia can automatically provide your GPS coordinates to the operator, which is extremely useful if you’re in an unfamiliar locationasset.edu.au. Give as much detail as you can about the situation – e.g., “found an unconscious adult, not responding, possible fall from ladder, significant head injury, currently breathing” or “not breathing” etc. The operator may instruct you on next steps like how to do CPR or use a defibrillator if available. Remember to stay on the line until emergency personnel arrive or until the dispatcher explicitly says you can hang upasset.edu.au. Early activation of emergency services is crucial – the sooner paramedics are en route, the better the outcome for the patient.
Airway (Clear and Open the Airway)
A – Airway: Once help is on the way (or while someone else calls), immediately ensure the casualty’s airway is open and clear. An unconscious person may have a blocked airway due to the tongue relaxing back, vomit, blood, or other foreign material. Open the mouth and look inside for any obstructionstjohn.org.au. If you see liquids or objects (like food, vomit, dentures, blood, debris), roll the patient onto their side (into a recovery position) and clear out the airway with two fingers wrapped in a cloth if availablehealthywa.wa.gov.austjohn.org.au. Do not do a blind finger sweep – only remove objects you can see, to avoid pushing something deeper. Gravity can help drain fluids: with the person on their side and head tilted downward, let blood or vomit trickle out of the mouth rather than pooling in the airwayasset.edu.auasset.edu.au.
If the airway is clear or once you’ve cleared it, position the casualty on their back and open their airway. Do this by using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver: gently tilt the head back by lifting the chin upward with one hand while pressing down on the forehead with the other handhealthywa.wa.gov.au. This lifts the tongue away from the back of the throat. Caution: If you suspect a spinal/neck injury (e.g., the incident was a fall, car crash, or the person has obvious head/neck trauma), try to minimize neck movement. In such cases, you can use a jaw-thrust technique (lifting the jaw forward without tilting the head) to open the airway while keeping the neck aligned. However, airway takes priority – if the jaw-thrust is ineffective and the person isn’t breathing, a slight head tilt is necessary despite a potential spinal injurybetterhealth.vic.gov.au. It’s more critical to get oxygen in than to prevent a possible spinal aggravation.
With the airway open, make sure it stays open. Sometimes just positioning a person on their side (recovery position) keeps the tongue and vomit from blocking the throatasset.edu.auasset.edu.au. The recovery position is a safe posture for an unconscious breathing person: it involves rolling them onto their side, with the head tilted back and lower jaw forward to maintain airway, and one leg bent to stabilize the position. This way, if they vomit, it drains out and they don’t chokeasset.edu.au. We will use the recovery position again after checking breathing, but even at the airway step, it’s a tool to clear and protect the airway. Once the airway is open and cleared, proceed to check breathing.
Breathing (Check for Normal Breathing)
B – Breathing: With an open airway, check if the person is breathing and if it’s normalstjohn.org.au. In an unconscious person, this assessment should take no more than 10 secondsstjohn.org.au. Use the classic “look, listen, and feel” technique: look for chest or abdominal movements, listen for the sound of air coming from their nose or mouth, and feel for breath on your cheek or handhealthywa.wa.gov.au. Position your face close to the person’s mouth and nose, and watch their chest for any rise and fallhealthywa.wa.gov.au. It helps to remove any noisy background if possible and concentrate.
- Normal breathing present: If the casualty is breathing normally (regular, effective breaths) and has a pulse, they are not in cardiac arrest. In this case, you do not do CPR. Instead, place them in the recovery position (if not already done) to keep the airway open and clearstjohn.org.au. Ensure their head is tilted back and mouth angled toward the ground. While in recovery position, continually monitor their breathing and pulse. Re-check the airway and breathing every minute or two* to ensure they haven’t deterioratedasset.edu.auasset.edu.au. While waiting for the ambulance, manage any other injuries (like bleeding, burns or fractures) and treat for shock as neededhealthywa.wa.gov.au. “Treat for shock” means keeping the person warm, comfortable and calm, lying flat if possible (unless that makes breathing harder), and raising their legs slightly if you suspect poor circulation – basically, improving blood flow to vital organshealthywa.wa.gov.au. Do not give them food or drink. Just reassure them and watch for any change. If at any point they stop breathing normally, roll them on their back and be prepared to start CPR.
- Not breathing or abnormal breathing: If you cannot detect breathing, or if breathing is irregular, shallow, gasping or only occasional “agonal” gasps, treat this as no effective breathinghealthywa.wa.gov.au. Gasping or infrequent breaths are signs of cardiac arrest – do not mistake agonal gasps for true breathing. In this scenario, time is critical. Make sure 000 has been called (if not, call immediately or yell for someone to call) and then begin CPR straight awaystjohn.org.au. Do NOT spend more than 10 seconds to decide – if you’re in doubt, it’s safer to assume the person is not breathing adequately and start CPR. Starting CPR on someone who doesn’t need it may cause a few bruises; but not doing CPR on someone who needs it can cost their life. So, if unresponsive and not breathing normally, proceed to CPR.
Before CPR, quickly scan for any obvious signs of life (movement, coughing, etc.) – but do not delay beyond 10 seconds. Also, if there are bystanders, you can instruct one to go find an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available nearby, while you start CPR. Many public places (office buildings, airports, shopping centers, schools, etc.) have AEDs on the wall – often marked by a green heart symbol or the letters “AED”. Early defibrillation combined with CPR offers the best chance of survival in cardiac arrestbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. We will cover defibrillation shortly, but begin chest compressions immediately after determining breathing is absent or abnormal.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
C – CPR: CPR is the combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths that keeps oxygenated blood circulating when the heart and breathing have stopped. It is a life-saving skill that buys time until advanced care arrivesbetterhealth.vic.gov.auasset.edu.au. As soon as you’ve established the casualty is unconscious and not breathing normally, start CPR with chest compressionsstjohn.org.au.
How to perform CPR on an adult: Kneel beside the person’s chest. Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), between the nipples. Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands. Press down hard and fast – compress the chest by about one-third of its depth (approximately 5 cm in an adult) with each pushbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Allow the chest to fully recoil (come back up) between compressions. The recommended rate is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute – roughly 2 per secondbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. A helpful guide is to push to the rhythm of a familiar fast beat (songs like “Stayin’ Alive” have ~100 BPM).
Perform 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breathsbetterhealth.vic.gov.austjohn.org.au. This is the 30:2 ratio universally recommended for adult CPRstjohn.org.au. To give breaths: open the airway again with head-tilt/chin-lift, pinch the person’s nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and give a full breath for ~1 second, watching for the chest to risebetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Give a second breath similarly. If the chest doesn’t rise on the first breath, reposition the airway (make sure the head is tilted back and mouth properly sealed) and try again. After two effective breaths, return to chest compressions. Minimize interruptions – the pattern is 30 compressions, 2 breaths, then immediately back to compressions. Aim for about 5 cycles of 30:2 in two minutesbetterhealth.vic.gov.au.
Continue CPR until help arrives or the patient shows signs of life (starts breathing normally, moving, or regains consciousness)stjohn.org.au. It is physically demanding, so if another trained person is available, trade off every 2 minutes to avoid fatigue (switch during a breaths phase for a smooth transition). If you find the person has resumed breathing or wakes up, stop CPR and put them in the recovery position, monitoring breathing closely.
Compression-only CPR: If you are not trained in giving rescue breaths, or are unwilling/unable to do so (for example, no protective barrier and concerned about infection), perform hands-only CPR – continuous chest compressions at 100-120/min without stopping for breathsbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Studies show that in the first few minutes of adult cardiac arrest, compression-only CPR is far better than doing nothing, and it simplifies guidance for untrained rescuers. The Australian Resuscitation Council advises that any attempt at CPR is better than none, and untrained helpers should stick to compressions onlybetterhealth.vic.gov.au. That said, if you are trained and confident, the 30:2 method is recommended, as the breaths provide oxygen to the bloodstream. In cases of pediatric arrest (infants/children) or drowning, ventilation is especially important, so rescue breaths are highly recommended if you can do them.
CPR for children and infants: The DRSABCD steps are the same for kids, but there are a few modifications in technique. For a small child (aged ~1–8), use one hand for compressions instead of two, and compress ~1/3 of chest depth (about 5 cm) at 100-120/min. For an infant (<1 year), use two fingers on the breastbone for compressions (again ~1/3 chest depth, ~4 cm)healthywa.wa.gov.au, and be very gentle with breaths – just puff air from your cheeks, enough to see the chest rise. The ratio remains 30:2 for all ages (some advanced protocols use 15:2 for two-rescuer CPR on a child/infant, but for a sole rescuer, stick with 30:2). If you’re alone, perform about 2 minutes of CPR on a child/infant before pausing to call emergency services (unless someone else can call). These nuances underscore why taking a certified first aid/CPR course is valuable – hands-on training will teach you the proper technique for all agesbetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au.
Crucially, do not stop CPR unless: the casualty revives, you are relieved by medical professionals or a trained person, an AED is to be used (pause only as long as it takes to apply and analyze), or you physically cannot continue. It’s normal to feel ribs crack or cartilage pop in adult CPR – don’t be alarmed; keep going. Every minute without CPR in a cardiac arrest reduces the person’s survival chances by ~10%, so your actions are critical. CPR keeps up some blood flow to the brain and heart: it can buy time and double or triple the odds of survival in some casesasset.edu.au. Your goal is to maintain circulation until a defibrillator or ambulance arrives to perform advanced care.
First aid training, including CPR and AED use, is highly recommended for everyone. Practicing on manikins in a class builds the muscle memory and confidence to perform effective CPR under pressurebetterhealth.vic.gov.au. In an emergency, remembering the DRSABCD steps can guide even an unseasoned helper through the critical actions.
Defibrillation (Attach AED if available)
D – Defibrillation: The final letter of DRSABCD reminds us to use a defibrillator (AED) as soon as one is available for victims who are unresponsive and not breathing. Defibrillation refers to delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart to correct a fatal heart rhythm. Many cardiac arrests are due to ventricular fibrillation – essentially, a chaotic rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood. An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can analyze the heart’s rhythm and advise a shock if needed to “restart” an effective heartbeatbetterhealth.vic.gov.auasset.edu.au.
If an AED is on hand (from a public building, workplace, etc.), get it immediately or send someone to retrieve it while CPR is in progress. Turn the device on and follow its voice and visual promptsbetterhealth.vic.gov.austjohn.org.au. Expose the patient’s chest (dry it if wet) and attach the AED pads as shown on the pad diagrams – one pad on the upper right side of the chest, the other on the lower left side (for adults). The AED will instruct you to stop CPR while it analyzes the heart rhythm, and then it will either advise a shock or state “no shock advised.” Ensure nobody is touching the patient if a shock is advised – loudly say “Stand clear!” and visually confirm everyone is clear – then press the shock button when promptedstjohn.org.au. The shock is usually delivered with an audible “thump.” Immediately resume CPR after the shock, as the AED instructs (most devices will prompt you to continue CPR for 2 minutes before the next analysis).
Modern AEDs are very simple to use – they have automated voice instructions and often metronomes to guide your CPR ratebetterhealth.vic.gov.au. They will not shock unless it’s needed, so you can’t accidentally shock a person with a normal heartbeat. Some AEDs may prompt you to continue CPR if no shock is needed, and will re-analyze periodically. Continue to follow the AED’s prompts until paramedics take over or the person shows signs of life.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are found in many public areas and are designed for laypeople to use. The device will give voice instructions and only deliver a shock if it detects a shockable cardiac arrest rhythmbetterhealth.vic.gov.au.
If the person begins breathing or moving after a shock, stop CPR and place them in the recovery position, maintaining an open airwaybetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Leave the AED attached in case it needs to re-analyze, but do not remove the pads. For children under 8 years (or under ~25 kg), use pediatric pads if available, which attenuate the energy of the shockbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. If the device has a “child” switch or key, activate it. If no pediatric option exists, use the standard AED anyway – a reduced shock is preferable to none in a child cardiac arrest. One pad can go in the center of the chest and one in the center of the back for small children/infants (so pads don’t touch).
Early defibrillation is a critical link in the “chain of survival.” Combined with prompt CPR, defibrillation within the first few minutes of collapse can produce survival rates as high as 70% in certain casesasset.edu.auasset.edu.au. Every minute of delay reduces success, which is why knowing where the nearest AED is (in workplaces, schools, gyms, etc.) and having bystanders willing to use it are so important. Apply the AED as soon as it’s ready – CPR should be paused only briefly to analyze and shock, because CPR also helps circulate blood and makes the shock more likely to work by oxygenating the heart. Paramedics will bring advanced life support (medications, airway management), but the AED and good CPR are key measures the public can take before they arrive.
After DRSABCD: Ongoing Care and Secondary Survey
The DRSABCD primary survey addresses the most immediate threats – lack of airway, breathing, or circulation. Once you’ve gone through these steps (and if the person is breathing or regains a pulse), focus on ongoing care until the ambulance arrives. This includes continually monitoring responsiveness and breathing, since the situation can change. Keep the patient in a safe position (usually recovery position if unconscious) and warm (cover with a blanket or jacket to conserve body heat, as shock can be worsened by cold)healthywa.wa.gov.au. Avoid moving the person unnecessarily, especially if trauma is suspected – however, do move them if needed for airway or if danger is present.
Perform a secondary survey (head-to-toe check) for other injuries once any life-threatening issue has been dealt with. For example, if the person is now breathing, quickly check for major bleeding, fractures, burns, or medical alert bracelets. Control severe bleeding with firm direct pressure and bandagesbetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au. If there’s bleeding and you have gloves, put them on; if not, use layers of cloth or plastic bags as a barrier. For heavy bleeding, apply pressure without delay – don’t spend too much time cleaning during an emergency, as it could dislodge clots and worsen bleedingbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Once bleeding is controlled, bandage the wound but not so tightly that circulation is cut off (check by pressing a fingernail – color should return quickly)betterhealth.vic.gov.au. For fractures or sprains, splint or immobilize the limb if trained – or simply keep the person still and supported. For burns, if they are minor and you have water, you can start cooling the burn (avoid ice directly, just cool running water). These additional first aid steps should only be done if they do not interfere with the primary mission of preserving life (airway, breathing, circulation). Always prioritize according to DRSABCD – life over limb.
Be mindful of shock (not electrical shock, but medical shock from trauma or blood loss). Signs include pale, cold sweaty skin, fast pulse, weakness, confusion or agitation. Manage shock by laying the person flat (or as flat as possible), elevating the legs slightly (if no leg injuries), and keeping them warm and reassuredhealthywa.wa.gov.au. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, as they might need surgery or could vomit. If the person is having difficulty breathing, you might not elevate the legs, and if they vomit or bleed from the mouth, place them on their side to protect the airway. Continually reassure the patient: tell them help is on the way, and that you are there with them. This can reduce anxiety and potentially ease shock.
If the casualty was choking before becoming unconscious, be prepared to clear the airway again if needed. Sometimes an obstruction can be dislodged by CPR compressions; check the mouth periodically for dislodged objects. If they start breathing again, monitor in recovery position. In cases of possible drug overdose or poisoning (which might be why someone collapsed), inform the paramedics of any evidence (pill bottles, substances, etc.) and follow DRSABCD just the same. The key message is: do not leave the person until medical help takes over. If you must leave (e.g., to direct the ambulance to your location), make sure the patient’s airway is open and they are in recovery position.
Importance of Training and Preparedness
Executing DRSABCD effectively in a real emergency requires knowledge and confidence that come from practice. It’s highly recommended to learn first aid and CPR through a certified course. Having these skills can truly be “the difference between life and death” for someone in an emergencybetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Organizations like St John Ambulance, Australian Red Cross, and Life Saving Victoria offer first aid and CPR courses for the public, as well as refresher sessions to keep skills updatedbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. In some schools, CPR training is even part of the curriculum because of how vital it isbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Remember that guidelines can evolve (for example, the compression rate or ratio was updated by resuscitation councils in recent years), so refreshing your training every couple of years is wise. The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) and similar bodies worldwide periodically revise recommendations based on the latest researchbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Staying current ensures you’re using the best known techniques.
Also, be prepared with basic supplies. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home, car, and workplacebetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au. The kit should have items like gloves, bandages, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, a CPR face shield, scissors, and a blanketbetterhealth.vic.gov.au. Having these tools on hand can make first aid more effective and safe for you and the patient. Make sure everyone in your family or team knows where the kit is stored. It’s also helpful to have emergency numbers saved in your phone and to know your location (or how to quickly share it) when calling for help.
Finally, remember that DRSABCD is a framework. In some advanced settings, you might encounter variations like DRABC (omitting the explicit “Send for help” step, though calling for help is still implied) or DRSABCDE (where the “E” might stand for Exposure or Extra considerations – such as checking for other injuries or examining the patient once the basic life threats are managed)tltraining.co.uk. For example, in a hospital, after DRSABCD, a nurse or doctor might assess “Disability” (neurological status) and “Exposure/Environment” (fully expose the patient to find any hidden injuries and keep them warm). These are essentially extensions of the secondary survey. The core principles remain the same: protect yourself, assess responsiveness, call for help early, and support the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Everything else builds on that foundation.
In summary, DRSABCD is an easy-to-remember action plan that can guide anyone through the initial moments of a medical emergency. By checking for Danger, gauging Response, Sending for help, clearing the Airway, checking Breathing, starting CPR if needed, and Defibrillating early, a first aider addresses the most critical needs step by stepstjohn.org.austjohn.org.au. This systematic approach has saved countless lives. Emergencies are by nature high-stress situations, but having a clear game plan like DRSABCD helps you remain calm and effective. Learn it, practice it, and you’ll be ready to act when every second counts. And always remember: doing something is almost always better than doing nothing at all. Your actions can make all the difference in giving a patient the best chance of survival and recoverybetterhealth.vic.gov.auasset.edu.au.
Sources:
- Better Health Channel (Victoria State Govt) – First aid basics and DRSABCDbetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au (first aid steps and CPR guidance)
- St John Ambulance Australia – DRSABCD Action Planstjohn.org.austjohn.org.au (official first aid fact sheet, 2022)
- Asset College First Aid Blog – What is DRSABCD?asset.edu.auasset.edu.au (detailed explanation of each step and calling emergency numbers)
- My First Aid Course (Brisbane) – COWS in First Aidmyfirstaidcourse.com.aumyfirstaidcourse.com.au (responsive check using “COWS” technique)
- Healthy WA (Dept. of Health WA) – DRSABCD Action Planhealthywa.wa.gov.auhealthywa.wa.gov.au (primary survey steps and recovery position advice)
- Better Health Channel – First aid for choking, overdoses, bleeding, etc.betterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au (additional first aid measures and infection control)
- Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR) – Guideline 8: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitationbetterhealth.vic.gov.aubetterhealth.vic.gov.au (CPR ratio, rate, and use of AED)
