nbhjbgjuvdfs

1. NDP Factsheet
FIRST AID BASICS
DRSABCD
If you only remember one thing from this factsheet,
make it this acronym: DRSABCD.
Described as the first aid priority action plan, these
simple steps guide you in what to do in an emergency
and importantly, in what order.
D – Danger
Remove anything potentially dangerous, such as sharp
objects or electrical cords to make sure the area is safe
for you, bystanders and the client.
R – Response
Check for a response – is the client conscious? Try
asking them to squeeze your hand or open their eyes.
S – Send for help
Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or ask a
bystander to make the call.
A – Airway
If the client is not responding, check that the airway is
clear and open.
First, open the mouth and check for foreign objects (such
as food, vomit or fluid). If required, turn the client into the
recovery (side) position to remove any visible material
with your fingers then re-position the client on their back.
To ensure the tongue is not blocking the airway, lift the
chin upwards by placing fingers under the chin (or use a
pistol grip). With the other hand on the forehead, tilt the
head fully back to open the airway. Note: babies under
one year old should have their head maintained in the
‘neutral’ position.
January 2016 ndp.org.au
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. However,
studies show that less than one in five of us know the basics of first aid. So
get your skills up to scratch by enrolling in a first aid course today. In the
meantime, here are some useful first aid ‘dos and don’ts’ to keep in mind.
B – Breathing (check for signs)
Look, listen and feel to find out whether the client is
breathing. If not, start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
C – Compressions
Begin CPR at a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2
breaths. Continue until help arrives.
D – Defibrillation
If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
and follow the voice prompts.
NDP is rolling out more disability-specific
first aid resources in the future, so keep an eye
on NDP Learn for new training opportunities.

2. Did you know?
First Aid is defined as the help given to an injured
person before they can receive medical treatment.
However, it’s about more than just medical
help. The four main aims of first aid are to:
1. preserve life
2. prevent further harm
3. promote recovery
4. comfort the ill or injured
COMMON EMERGENCIES
Here are seven common situations and what to do –
what NOT to do – when they strike.
Bleeding
Do: If there is nothing embedded in the wound, apply
pressure using a pad and bandage (wear gloves if
possible). If the client is able to apply pressure themselves,
instruct them to do so. Consider the possibility of shock.
Don’t: Forget that cross-infection can occur. If possible,
wash your hands before and after providing first aid.
Burns or scalds
Do: As soon as possible, hold the burn under cool
running water for 20 minutes. If possible, remove all
rings, watches or restricting items. Finally, cover the burn
with a loose, non-stick dressing to prevent infection.
Don’t: Apply creams, ointment, ice or fat to burns.
These can make symptoms worse and slow recovery.
Head injury
Do: If the client is unconscious, place them in the
recovery position. If there is blood or fluid coming from
an ear, they should be placed with the affected ear down.
Call triple zero (000) and monitor airway and breathing.
Don’t: Encourage the client to resume normal activities
until they’ve fully recovered. It can take weeks to recover
from a head injury.
Seizure
Do: Protect the client by removing any objects that
may cause injury. When the seizure stops, follow the
DRSABCD action plan. If conscious, assess for any injury
and reassure the client.
Don’t: Restrain the client during a seizure.
Fracture
Do: Control any bleeding and cover any open wounds.
Ask the client to stay as still as possible and call triple
zero (000). Even if you can’t tell whether an injury is a
fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain, treat it as a fracture.
Don’t: Force a fracture back into place as this could
cause further injury.
Choking
Do: If the client is still breathing, encourage them to cough
to remove the object. If they are unable to breathe, speak
or cough, call triple zero (000). In the meantime, bend
the client forward and deliver five back blows with the
heel of one hand between the shoulder blades. If this
doesn’t clear the blockage, deliver up to five chest thrusts.
Don’t: Continue back blows and chest thrusts once the
person is unconscious. CPR should be commenced on
anyone who is unconscious and not breathing.
Heatstroke
Do: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel
to the client’s neck and armpits. If symptoms
are severe, cover them in a wet sheet and fan to
increase the cooling process.
Don’t: Underestimate the severity of heatstroke,
which can be a life threatening emergency.

3. Contact us:
T 02 9356 3188
E info@ndp.org.au
W ndp.org.au
Disclaimer: The advice found on this factsheet
is to be used for general information only, and
not in an emergency. It is not intended to replace
professional training through a first aid course.
FIRST AID QUIZ
Test your emergency ‘know-how’.
1. A client known to have diabetes is
pale, sweaty and confused. You should:
(a) Help the client take insulin
(b) Place them in the recovery position
(c) Give them a low calorie drink
(d) Give them 6 – 8 jelly beans
2. What initial treatment should be given for
a burn?
(a) Apply an ice pack
(b) Cool under cold flowing water
(c) Immerse in tepid water
(d) Apply an antiseptic burn cream
3. What is the correct ratio of compressions
to breaths when performing CPR?
(a) Five compressions to one breath
(b) Fifteen compressions to one breath
(c) Five compressions to two breaths
(d) Thirty compressions to two breaths
4. A client is eating her dinner when she chokes
on a piece of meat. How can you tell whether
her airway is completely obstructed?
(a) Listen for a loud wheezing noise
(b) By looking in his mouth
(c) The client is unable to breathe, cough or speak
(d) The client starts vomiting
5. A client has been found slumped in her
wheelchair, unconscious but breathing.
What do you do?
(a) Stick your fingers down her throat to
encourage her to vomit
(b) Keep her where she is, don’t move her until
help arrives
(c) Sit them back in the wheelchair and maintain
an open airway
(d) Remove them from the wheelchair and
commence CPR
Source: Premium Health
Useful links
To find out more, check these useful resources:
• Premium Health first aid training
• St John Ambulance
• Australian Red Cross
• BetterHealth Channel first aid basics
Quiz answers: 1D, 2B, 3D, 4C, 5C