In a first aid emergency, it can be difficult to know what treatment is needed and whether you’re getting the “full picture” of the person’s state of health to choose the right treatment.
All first aid starts with the DRS-ABCD action plan – making sure you and others are safe, assessing for signs of life, calling an ambulance and starting CPR if necessary.
If the person is conscious, rest and reassure them and follow the 6 step “S-A-M-P-L-E” check to gather all the important facts about the incident and casualty including their medical history.
S – SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What signs of injury or illness do you see?
What symptoms are they experiencing and where? (pain, dizziness, loss of feeling, skin colour changes etc.)
Treat life-threatening trauma like severe bleeding or burns or breathing difficulties first and call an ambulance.
A – ALLERGIES
Do they have allergies? If so, do they have an allergy action plan?
M – MEDICATION
Are currently taking any medication? Do they need it now?
P – PAST
Any past medical conditions? Have they experienced these symptoms before?
L – LAST
When and what did they last eat and drink?
E – EVENTS
Any events out of the ordinary leading up to the incident? i.e. symptoms, stress, bites/stings etc.
Always call 000 at any point as soon as you know you need an ambulance.
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