The Primary Survey – DrABC
What DrABC stands for, why the order matters, and how to apply it in a workplace emergency.
Primary Survey (DrABC)
DrABC is the structured approach used to assess a casualty. Follow the steps in order.
Check for hazards to you, the casualty, and others.
Check if they respond: talk, tap shoulders, ask simple questions.
Open the airway and check for obstruction.
Look, listen and feel for normal breathing.
Look for severe bleeding and signs of shock. Control bleeding quickly.
If the casualty is not breathing normally, escalate immediately and begin CPR as trained.
Scenario: Apply DrABC
You find a colleague on the floor near a storage area. A pallet truck is nearby and there is a small crowd gathering.
Work through DrABC and decide what you do first.
Show suggested answer
- Danger: Check for hazards (moving equipment, trip risks). Manage bystanders.
- Response: Speak to them, gently tap shoulders.
- Airway: Open airway if unresponsive.
- Breathing: Check for normal breathing.
- Circulation: Look for severe bleeding and signs of shock.
A worker is found slumped in a break area. The first aider checks the area is safe, checks for response, opens the airway, checks breathing, then looks for severe bleeding and signs of shock while arranging emergency help if needed.
In your workplace, what are the most likely dangers you would check for before starting DrABC?
DrABC is the primary survey used to assess a casualty in order:
Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.