What is DRSABCD: The first aid acronym explained

If someone collapses, stops breathing or is seriously injured, knowing what to do first can save their life.

That’s where DRSABCD comes in.

DRSABCD is the first aid action plan used across Australia. It’s a simple acronym that helps you remember the correct order of steps in an emergency, from checking for danger to performing CPR and using an AED.

This guide explains:

• What the DRSABCD acronym means

• The full DRSABCD definition

• How DRSABCD is used in first aid

• What CPR stands for

• How this applies in real Australian emergencies

What is DRSABCD?

DRSABCD is a first aid acronym used to remember the correct steps to take in an emergency involving unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, breathing emergencies and life-threatening injuries.

What does DRSABCD stand for?

DRSABCD stand for:

• Danger

• Response

• Send for help

• Airways

• Breathing

• CPR

• Defibrillation

This is sometimes written as DRS ABCD, DRSABCD or Doctors ABCD but they all refer to this first aid action plan.

What is the DRSABC acronym used for?

The DRSABCD acronym is used to:

• Assess emergencies quickly

• Prioritise life-threatening problems

• Reduce panic by giving a clear process

• Ensure nothing critical is missed

It is taught in CPR and first aid courses like HLTAID009 Provide CPR and HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.

DRSABCD definition

DRSABCD is a step-by-step first aid action plan that helps you assess and respond to emergencies involving unconsciousness, cardiac arrest or breathing problems.

In plain English, DRSABCD tells you what to do first, second and next, when seconds matter.

A step-by-step guide to DRSABCD in first aid

D - Check for DANGER

First, ensure the scene is safe for you, the casualty, and bystanders. Remember: you can't help others if you become a casualty yourself.

Look out for traffic, fire, smoke, electricity, aggressive behaviour and water hazards.

R - Check for RESPONSE

Check if the person is responsive by asking them questions and looking and feeling for signs of consciousness.

• Talk to them

• Squeeze their shoulders

• Ask simple questions

This is where the acronym COWS comes into play.

• Can you hear me?

• Open your eyes

• What’s your name?

• Squeeze my hand

S - SEND for help

Call 000 (or 112 from a mobile) immediately if:

• The person is unconscious

• They are not breathing normally

• There is a serious injury

Ask someone to find the nearest defibrillator (AED), and stay with the casualty until help arrives.

A - Check AIRWAYS

Open the airways and ensure they are clear. If airways not clear, put in the recovery position.

B - Check BREATHING

Look, listen and feel for breathing. Check if they are if they are breathing normally. If they are not breathing, start CPR.

C - Start CPR

What does CPR stand for?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Perform 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Aim for 100 - 120 compressions per minute. Continue CPR until the person becomes responsive, they start breathing normally or medical professionals arrive and tell you to stop.

D - DEFIBRILLATOR (AED)

Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as soon as it becomes available.

• Turn it on

• Follow the voice prompts

• Attach pads as shown

AEDs can be used even if you are not trained in their use. But a CPR and/or first aid course will train you in CPR and AED.

What does DRSABCD mean in first aid?

DRSABCD provides a clear, systematic approach to emergency response. Following these steps ensures you don't miss crucial elements in those critical first moments.

DRSABCD Australia - why it matters

In Australia, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere. Survival depends on immediate action with bystanders being able to save lives if they know what to do.

That’s why DRSABCD Australia-wide training is essential for teachers, childcare educators, support workers, aged care workers and parents.

Why learn DRSABCD properly?

Reading about first aid helps but practising it can help save lives.

Accredited CPR training ensures you:

• Perform CPR correctly

• Use an AED with confidence

• Stay clam under pressure

• Meet workplace compliance requirements

Learn DRSABCD with Engage First Aid in Adelaide

Our engaging first aid courses teach you these life-saving skills in a way you'll actually remember. Book a course and learn from our trainer who makes first aid fun and memorable.

First Aid Pro Tip: In an emergency, following the DRSABCD steps could save a life. You just need to make sure it’s safe, you call for help early, keep calm, follow the sequence and trust your training.

Resource
Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines

The information provided in this blog offers general insights only. It is important to note that this content is not intended to serve as medical advice and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 000 immediately.

DRSABCD FAQs

• What is DRSABCD?

  DRSABCD is a first aid action plan used in Australia to help people respond to emergencies. It stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation.

• What does DRSABCD stand for in first aid?

  In first aid, DRSABCD stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation.

• What does DRSABCD mean?

  DRSABCD means following a step-by-step approach to check safety, assess a casualty, call 000 and provide life-saving care if needed.

• When should I call 000 during DRSABCD?

  Call 000 as soon as the person is unresponsive, seriously injured, or not breathing normally. If possible, ask someone else to call while you begin first aid.

• What does CPR stand for?

  CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

• Do I need first aid training to use DRSABCD?

  Anyone can follow DRSABCD, but accredited first aid training builds confidence, improves technique and helps you stay calm in an emergency.