How to use DRABC – The Primary Survey

What is DRABC?

The DRABC procedure or the primary survey will allow you to establish what level of first aid you need to administer and if you need to call the emergency services. First aiders split the primary survey into the steps D-R-A-B-C; you can remember this easily by remembering DR ABC.

What does DRABC stand for?

DRABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. As a First Aider, when you encounter a casualty, you need to do the initial DRABC procedure, otherwise known as the primary survey.

What are the main objectives of first aid?

Before even thinking about administering any first aid, it is good to know what you are doing. As a  calm and measured first aider, you need to think about the 3P’s.

First aid is all about:

Preserve life – you are preventing that person from losing their life.

Prevent further injury – you don’t want the casualty to become even more injured. Ensure that the casualty has a good supply of oxygen and in a safe position. Ideally, it would be best if you didn’t move the casualty. If you have no other option, make sure you move the casualty carefully.

Promote recovery – you need to take the appropriate steps to promote healing, whether applying bandages or cold compresses or putting them into the recovery position. Continue promoting recovery until the emergency help arrives.

What are the five elements of a primary survey (DRABC)?

D – Danger

On the first step of DRABC, you need to determine whether it is safe to approach the casualty and that yourself and anyone else isn’t in a position also to become a casualty. For example, this could be stopping any oncoming traffic, looking out for live electricity, looking out for any places you could fall or trip over.

Once you can confirm there is no potential danger, you can begin to assess the casualty.

R – Response

Next, you need to get some response from the casualty so the casualty can tell you what is wrong with them. To do this, use the AVPU scale, which will help you scale the level of response from the casualty.

• A – Alert: first of all, is the casualty moving or talking? If not, proceed to V.
• V – Voice: Try speaking to the casualty loudly and clearly to see if they respond to speech. Make sure that you are in the casualty’s eye line to see who is talking. If you get no response, proceed to P.
• P – Place: Place your hand on the collarbone of the casualty and carefully but firmly shake them. At this point, you need to continue to speak to the casualty, making them aware of who you are. P can also stand for pain if the casualty responds as if they are in discomfort. If they do not show any signs of responsiveness, proceed to U.
• U – Unresponsive: at this point, you can assume the casualty is unresponsive.

A – Airways

Now you need to investigate why the casualty is unresponsive by checking their airway. To do this, you need to place the casualty on their back and tilt their head back. Place your hand on the chin and forehead and lightly tip their head. With your fingertips on the chin of the casualty, lift their mouth open to open the airways.

B – Breathing

When the airway is open, look out for any signs of normal breathing for 10 seconds, look out for if the casualty looks to be breathing abnormally, infrequently or not at all. Start applying CPR if you notice any of these symptoms.

If the casualty is unresponsive but is breathing normally and isn’t in a state where they can be moved without damaging them further, put them into the recovery position.

C – Call 999 / Circulation

If you reach this point and the casualty isn’t breathing, you need to get someone to call 999, or if you are alone, put your phone on speakerphone and do it yourself. Never start CPR until someone has called the emergency services. If possible, get someone to go and get an AED while you speak to the emergency services and stay with the casualty alone.

DRABC – D

Some people consider the defibrillation stage as its step in the DRABC procedure, therefore calling it DRABCD. Using a defibrillator is key to keeping someone alive, and you need to take it seriously as a step.

How to Use a Defibrillator (AED)

Please take a look at our step-by-step guide using an AED here.

First Aid Training Courses

3B Training offers a range of First Aid Courses. Each training course covers different aspects of first aid for different sizes and types of workplace.

• Emergency First Aid – usually delivered to those who work in a low-risk environment.
• First Aid at Work – delivered to those who work in a medium-high risk environment.
• First Aid Requalification – this course is used to renew an existing First Aid at Work certificate expired.
• Paediatric First Aid Training is for those who work with children and babies.

We cover this procedure in a range of First Aid Courses with 3B Training. Please take a look at our upcoming course dates here. To find out more about what happens on a first aid course, click here.

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