What does DRSABCD stand for?

Danger

Assess the surrounding area for danger and make sure it is safe before you approach.

Response

Check if the person is responsive by following the COWS method. Speak clearly, ask if they’re okay, and gently squeeze their shoulders.

Send for help

Call 000 immediately or ask someone nearby to make the call. The sooner emergency services are on the way, the better.

Airway

Open the person’s mouth to check for obstructions. If necessary, roll them onto their side to clear the airway. Then gently tilt the head back to open the airway.

Breathing

Look, listen and feel for signs of breathing. If the person is not breathing normally (less than 2 breaths in 10 seconds), commence CPR.

CPR

Begin CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Keep going until help arrives or the person recovers.

Defibrillation

If a defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.

CPR for children

CPR looks slightly different when it comes to infants and young children, but the basic principles stay the same. If you're caring for kids or want to be prepared for family emergencies, it’s important to learn the differences in CPR for children and infants.

Why learn DRSABCD and CPR?

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after someone collapses can be the difference between life and death.

• According to the Heart Foundation Australia, someone living in Australia experiences cardiac arrest every 20 minutes.
• Early CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
• Using an AED can increase chances of survival to around 50%, compared to 27% when help is delayed.
• Most cardiac arrests happen at home or in public, not in hospital.

Download your FREE copy of the DRSABCD Action Plan here: