St John News

DRSABCD

Before we start any first aid, we use the DRSABCD acronym to keep ourselves and our patients safe. Keeping yourself safe and not becoming another casualty is important, traumatic experiences affect us all differently, keeping things simple can be really helpful in a stressful situation..

Dangers?

Ensure the area is safe for yourself, others and the patient, look for what may have caused the emergency, live wires, toxic gas, wet areas or even falling objects.

Response?

Check for a response: ask casualty for their name, squeeze shoulders. If no response, send for help.

COWS – Can you hear me, Open your eyes, What is your name, Squeeze my hands

Send for help.

Send for help Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance, police or fire or ask another person to make the call.

Airway?

Open the mouth and check the airway for foreign material. Place in the recovery position and clear the airway. If not breathing, lie casualty on their back, open the airway by tilting the head back with a chin lift.

Breathing?

Check for breathing: look, listen, feel for 10 seconds.

Not normal breathing? Ensure an ambulance has been called; start CPR.

Normal breathing? Place in the recovery position and monitor breathing.

CPR.

Start CPR, 30 chest compressions, 100 compressions per minute. Starting compressions, and maintaining them for as long as possible, may save a life.

Continue CPR until help arrives or until breathing resumes.

Defibrillator

Attach defibrillator (AED) and follow the voice prompts.

https://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/first-aid-facts/

Our next Skill Drill will be held on the 30 November at 6:30 pm. at the St John Shed, Grassy Road, by the driveway to the hospital.

New members are always welcome, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au