The DRSABCD protocol is a first aid action plan that stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation, outlining the essential steps to assess and manage a casualty in an emergency. It guides responders to first check for danger, assess responsiveness, call for help, ensure the airway is clear, check breathing, commence CPR if needed, and use a defibrillator if one is available.
In a workplace setting, understanding and applying the DRSABCD protocol can mean the difference between life and death.
This article will explain what each letter of the DRSABCD acronym stands for, how to apply it in real-life emergencies, and why it’s a critical component of basic first aid training.
You’ll also learn how to assess the safety of a scene, perform CPR, position a casualty, and make fast, confident decisions in crisis situations. The content is tailored specifically for Australian workplaces and aligns with the standards set by the Australian Resuscitation Council.
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Key Takeaways
- The DRSABCD protocol provides a clear framework for managing emergencies
- Scene safety, airway checks, and early defibrillation are critical for survival
- Every workplace should have trained first aiders, a stocked first aid kit, and an AED
- First aid can mean the difference between life and death
- First aid training reinforces the ability to respond quickly, calmly, and effectively
What Does DRSABCD Protocol Stand For in First Aid?
The DRSABCD protocol in first aid stands for: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, and Defibrillation. DRSABCD is a foundational action plan taught in first aid courses across Australia and internationally, providing a systematic approach to potentially life-saving intervention during critical situations.
This acronym guides the crucial steps for assessing and responding to a medical emergency, prioritising both the provider’s safety and effective care:
DRSABCD Protocol
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| D - Danger | Check for potential dangers to yourself, bystanders, and the patient before approaching, ensuring the area is safe. |
| R - Response | Assess if the person is responsive by talking to or gently shaking them. |
| S - Send for help | Call emergency services (000 in Australia) as soon as unresponsiveness is established or delegate someone to do so. |
| A - Airway | Ensure the person's airway is open and clear of obstructions. |
| B - Breathing | Check if the person is breathing normally - (look, listen, feel). If not, prepare to start CPR. |
| C - CPR | Begin chest compressions and rescue breaths if the person is not breathing - ratio of 30 compressions and 2 breaths - rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. |
| D - Defibrillation | Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) as soon as possible if available, and follow its prompts.ASAP |
This action plan, endorsed by the Australian Resuscitation Council, is the cornerstone of basic life support in emergency response.
DRSABCD Protocol: First Aid Priorities and Scene Safety
✅ Danger – Assess the Situation First
- Ensure the area is safe for yourself and bystanders
- Remove hazards (e.g., live electricity, chemical spills)
- Use universal precautions (gloves, face shields) to reduce infection risk
- Don’t approach an accident scene if it will put your safety in danger, call emergency services and wait for instructions
✅ Response – Check for Awareness
Use the AVPU scale to assess responsiveness:
- Alert
- Verbal response
- Pain response
- Unresponsive
Shake their shoulders gently and ask, “Can you hear me?”, “What’s your name?” “Squeeze my hand.”
📞 Send for Help – Call 000 Immediately
- Ask someone to call emergency services or do so yourself
- Give clear info: exact location, nature of emergency, number of people involved
- Stay on the line until told to hang up
Tip: In workplaces, have an emergency action plan displayed near first aid kits and AEDs.
Airway – Clear and Maintain an Open Airway
- If unconscious, tilt the head back and lift the chin
- Check the mouth for obstructions and remove if visible
- Place the person in the recovery position if breathing and uninjured
Breathing – Check for Vital Signs
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing:
- Watch the chest rise and fall
- Listen for breath sounds at the mouth and nose
- Feel for breath on your cheek
Abnormal breathing? Treat as if not breathing. Begin CPR.
💓 CPR – Perform Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
If no signs of life or not breathing normally:
Chest Compressions
- Position the person: Lay them on their back on a firm surface.
- Hand placement: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Body position: Kneel beside the patient so your shoulders are directly over your hands. Keep your elbows straight.
- Compression technique:
- Use your full upper body weight, not just your arms.
- Press straight down 5–6cm (2–2.5inches) deep into the chest.
- Allow the chest to return fully to its original position after each compression.
- Maintain a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute (use the tempo of “Stayin’ Alive” as a reference).
- Repetitions: Give 30 compressions in a row before moving to rescue breaths.
Rescue Breaths
- Open the airway: Gently tilt the person’s head back and lift the chin using two fingers. This is called the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver.
- Seal the airway: Pinch their nose shut, cover their mouth with yours to form a complete seal.
- Give breaths:
- Blow steadily into their mouth for about 1 second and watch for the chest to rise. This rise indicates effective ventilation.
- Allow the chest to fall (the person exhales).
- Give a second rescue breath the same way.
- Continue cycles: After 2 rescue breaths, repeat the cycle—30 compressions, 2 breaths—until the person shows signs of life or professional help arrives.
Key Safety and Technique Notes
- If unwilling or unable to give rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR—continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute until professional help takes over.
- If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, use it as soon as possible, pausing CPR only to deliver a shock.
- If a person’s chest doesn’t rise during rescue breaths, ensure the airway is open, check for blockages, and try again.
CPR Quick Reference:
Age Group | Compression Depth | Breath-to-Compression Ratio | Method |
Adult | 1/3 chest depth | 2 breaths per 30 compressions | 2 hands centre of chest |
Child | 1/3 chest depth | 2:30 | 1 hand if small child |
Infant | 1/3 chest depth | 2:30 | 2 fingers centre chest |
⚡ Defibrillation – Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Turn on the AED and follow voice prompts
- Attach pads to the casualty’s bare chest
- Ensure no one is touching the person when the AED analyses or delivers a shock
- Resume CPR after shock, as prompted
AEDs are safe, simple to use, and should be located in all Australian workplaces.
Primary Survey vs Secondary Survey in First Aid
Primary Survey – Immediate Threats
- Follows the DRSABCD protocol steps
- Focuses on life-threatening emergencies
Secondary Survey – Further Assessment
- Conducted once the casualty is stable
- Includes head-to-toe examination and checking:
- Vital signs (pulse, breathing, skin colour)
- Medical history (SAMPLE: Signs, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events leading)
Essential First Aid Kit and PPE for the Workplace
First Aid Equipment
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Gloves, face mask, eye shield | Universal precautions to prevent infection |
| CPR mask with one-way valve | Mouth-to-mouth protection during resuscitation |
| AED | For life-threatening cardiac arrest |
| Bandages, antiseptics, shears | Wound care and basic injury treatment |
| Emergency contact card | First aider details and 000 instructions |
Casualty Positioning Techniques and Universal Precautions
- Use the recovery position if the person is breathing but unconscious
- For suspected spinal injury, support head and neck until help arrives
- Never place an unconscious person flat on their back unless performing CPR
- Use gloves and face shields when providing first aid
- Dispose of contaminated items properly
First Aid Decision-Making and Emergency Response
- Stay calm and use the DRSABCD protocol as your guide
- Make fast, informed decisions based on what you observe
- Document the incident as soon as possible
- Maintain ongoing training to stay confident in your skills
Don’t wait for an emergency to act. Book FirstAidPro’s workplace first aid training today.
Knowledge Check Quiz: Test Your DRSABCD Know-How
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References
Australian Resuscitation Council. (2024). Basic Life Support Flowchart.
Safe Work Australia. (2023). First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice.
Better Health Channel: First aid basics and DRSABCD
First Aid Pro: What does DRSABCD stand for, and what does it mean?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does DRSABCD protocol stand for in first aid?
The DRSABCD protocol stands for: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation – a systematic approach to emergency response.
How do I know when to start CPR?
If the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately and continue until help arrives or an AED advises otherwise.
Is the DRSABCD protocol used across Australia?
Yes, the DRSABCD protocol is the standard endorsed by the Australian Resuscitation Council and used in all recognised training.
Can I use an AED without training?
Yes. AEDs are designed for layperson use and give clear, automated instructions. Training improves confidence and speed.
