ABC of First Aid

DANGERS

Check area for DANGERS to yourself and the casualty.

RESPONSES

Shout at the casualty. Touch shoulders and speak to the casualty. Pinch thumbs. Look at face for pain response.

A.V.P.U.

• A - is the casualty alert.
• V- do they respond to your voice
• P - do they respond to pain (pinch thumb)
• U - is the casualty unresponsive (unconscious)

	AIRWAY Check for obvious obstructions, open airway using head tilt (fingers under chin / fingers on forehead).
	BREATHING Using the side of your face feel and listen for breathing for 10 seconds at the same time look at the chest for any rise and fall.
	CIRCULATION (If casualty is breathing) Check the carotid pulse and ‘Signs of Life’ for 10 seconds

If the casualty IS breathing and HAS a pulse, but remains unconscious, then continue with the Secondary Survey.

Once you have carried out the Secondary Survey and the casualty is still unconscious. Place them in the recovery position.