DRABC in First Aid: Everything You Need to Know

Paul Blane
Train the Trainer
bls basic life support course people performing bls

What is DRABC?

DRABC is a structured framework used by first aiders to assess and respond to casualties in an emergency. This vital step-by-step process is the foundation of First Aid, enabling responders to act quickly, confidently, and effectively during critical situations.

By following DRABC, you can quickly check for danger, assess responsiveness, clear the airway, confirm breathing, and check circulation to decide if CPR is needed — providing essential care until the emergency services arrives.

Whether the casualty is injured or unresponsive, DRABC guides you through a systematic emergency response to life-saving procedures.

Looking to upskill in this area? Our basic life support train the trainer course equips you to teach first aid confidently.

What Does DRABC Stand For?

DRABC stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

This structured DRABC framework for first aid and basic life support training is designed to guide you through essential steps when assessing and responding to casualties until the emergency services arrive. Here’s how each step works:

D – Danger

Before helping someone, always check for danger. Look around to ensure the area is safe for you, the injured person, and anyone else nearby. Hazards could include traffic, fire, electricity or even broken glass.

For example, if a casualty has been injured in a vehicle accident, the primary danger comes from oncoming traffic. It’s critical to ensure that traffic is halted and the area is secure before approaching and providing help. If the environment is unsafe, do not approach — call the emergency services immediately.

R – Response

Check if the person is responsive and able to provide information about their condition. Speak clearly! If there is no response or movement, they may be unconscious. Gently tap them on the arm or shoulder, depending on their situation. This is a vital step, as a lack of response indicates the seriousness of the casualty’s condition.

If the person is unresponsive, proceed to the next step in the primary survey and call emergency services if they have not already been contacted.

A – Airway

An open airway is essential for breathing, so it’s vital to ensure the casualty’s airway is clear and free from obstructions.

If the casualty is unresponsive:

  1. Place one hand on their forehead and gently tilt their head back, lifting the chin. Visually check their airway for any obstructions.
  2. If you see an obstruction, carefully remove it. Do not place your fingers in their mouth if you cannot see anything—doing so could push an obstruction further down.
  3. Once the airway is clear, move immediately to the next step in the DRABC framework.

If the casualty is responsive:

  1. Check if there’s anything blocking their airway that could cause choking.
  2. Encourage them to clear the blockage themselves by coughing or using their hands if appropriate.
  3. If they are unable to do this and are showing signs of severe choking, assist them by giving back blows and abdominal thrusts. Do not place fingers in their mouth. For infants under one year old, use a combination of back blows and chest thrusts.
  4. Once the airway is clear and they are breathing normally, proceed to the next stage of the Danger Response Airway Breathing Circulation assessment.

B – Breathing

After confirming the airway is clear, the next step is to check if the person is breathing normally. To check, you must look, listen, and feel for signs.

  1. Gently tilt their head back to open the airway.
  2. Look for chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for air against your cheek from their mouth or nose.
  3. Take at least 10 seconds to check that breathing is regular and normal.

If they are breathing normally:

  • Move on to the final step of the DRABC assessment.

If they are breathing abnormally:

  • Start CPR immediately. If you’ve had practical first aid training, include rescue breaths; if not, give hands-only CPR (just chest compressions).
  • Ask someone nearby to locate and bring an automated external defibrillator (AED) as quickly as possible.

C – Circulation

This step should only be carried out if the casualty is breathing normally. You must check for any signs of severe bleeding.

  • If the casualty is bleeding heavily, your priority is to control and reduce the bleeding. Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or a clean cloth if one is not available.
  • If there is no severe bleeding and you have worked through the other steps of the DRABC assessment, reassure the casualty that help is on the way. Stay with them and do not leave until emergency services arrive.

If the casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally and not bleeding heavily, place them in the recovery position. This helps to keep their airway open and prevents choking, especially if they vomit. Make sure that emergency services have been contacted if this hasn’t been done already.

What Is the Primary Survey in First Aid?

The primary survey is the foundation of emergency medical response and is also referred to as the DRABC framework.

The Primary survey is designed to assess the casualties condition in a methodical way. Its framework ensures that any life-threatening conditions are addressed immediately.

The Importance of DRABC in Training

Training is essential when putting the DRABC framework into practice. Without professional guidance, the risk of fatalities or long-term impairment increases.

Basic Life Support (BLS) training is fundamental for learning the DRABC framework. It is a legal requirement for healthcare organisations and individuals to complete this. Ensuring that first aid responders are prepared to act in emergencies!

Interested in learning more about BLS training? Read our guide on what to expect from an emergency first aid at work course.

Our Care Training Programs

At Care Business Associate Training, we offer a basic life support train the trainer course, designed to equip professionals with the skills to teach others. Our accredited 3-day course combines online modules with in-person learning, making it easier to fit training into your schedule.

By completing this training, you’ll be able to teach and learn about the importance of CPR, wound care, and choking management to help prevent fatalities in your workplace. Book your place today!

Call 01772 816 922

or email admin@cba-training.co.uk