Principles of first aid
This is the immediate treatment given to an injured person. In this application of first aid, there are 4 P’s that should
be followed;
Protect
Preserve (life)
Prevent
Promote (healing)
Primary survey
This is a dynamic process to address the life-threatening injuries before moving to minor, less life-threatening issues.
It is paramount importance that is carried out first and repeated to monitor the athlete.
DRABCD= Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)= CPR should be performed
Danger- check the area for potential danger to yourself. Another casualty will worsen the problem. Also, remove any
potentially hazardous objects from around the casualty.
Response- check if there is any response from the injured person. If not, call for help immediately. Do not leave the
injured person.
Airway- gently tip the person’s mouth, blocking the airway and check if there are any foreign objects in the person's
mouth, blocking the airway.
Breathing- check to see if the person is breathing ‘normally’ (for up to 10 seconds). If not, send someone for an
ambulance (dial 99 or 112) and get the automated external defibrillator (AED).
Circulation- can you confirm the presence of a pulse (for up to 10 seconds) and the strength/rate of this (in beats per
minute)?
Disability- have they got a head or spinal injury? Determine consciousness status. Is there any seizure activity, for
example involuntary jerking movements of arms and legs?
Environment/exposure/extrication- do they need moving? Keep them warm, wait for the emergency services.
Reassess all the time.
Secondary survey
A secondary survey should be carried out if an unconscious person is breathing normally and if life
threatening conditions have been found and dealt with.
This should be done quickly and systematically.
This is done to check all area of the body for damage.
Bleeding- check for blood in the area and on the patient
Head and neck- check for bruising and/or deformity. Gently feel the back of the neck for damage.
Shoulders and chest- feel for fractures in the collarbones and ribs.
Abdomen and pelvis- feel around the abdomen for abnormities and/or pain.
Legs and arms- check for fractures and/or any other clues.
Pelvis- make sure there are no items that could injure themselves or you. If possible, have a witness available
Recovery- make sure you do not cause further damage to the person when placing them in the recovery position. If
a neck injury is suspected, as along as their airway is maintained, do it move them and instead stabilise the head
either side with your hands.
Pockets- check the person’s pockets to make sure there are no items that could injure them when you roll them into
the recovery position. Be overly cautious of sharp objects for example, needles). If possible, have a witness if you
remove anything from their pockets.
This is the immediate treatment given to an injured person. In this application of first aid, there are 4 P’s that should
be followed;
Protect
Preserve (life)
Prevent
Promote (healing)
Primary survey
This is a dynamic process to address the life-threatening injuries before moving to minor, less life-threatening issues.
It is paramount importance that is carried out first and repeated to monitor the athlete.
DRABCD= Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)= CPR should be performed
Danger- check the area for potential danger to yourself. Another casualty will worsen the problem. Also, remove any
potentially hazardous objects from around the casualty.
Response- check if there is any response from the injured person. If not, call for help immediately. Do not leave the
injured person.
Airway- gently tip the person’s mouth, blocking the airway and check if there are any foreign objects in the person's
mouth, blocking the airway.
Breathing- check to see if the person is breathing ‘normally’ (for up to 10 seconds). If not, send someone for an
ambulance (dial 99 or 112) and get the automated external defibrillator (AED).
Circulation- can you confirm the presence of a pulse (for up to 10 seconds) and the strength/rate of this (in beats per
minute)?
Disability- have they got a head or spinal injury? Determine consciousness status. Is there any seizure activity, for
example involuntary jerking movements of arms and legs?
Environment/exposure/extrication- do they need moving? Keep them warm, wait for the emergency services.
Reassess all the time.
Secondary survey
A secondary survey should be carried out if an unconscious person is breathing normally and if life
threatening conditions have been found and dealt with.
This should be done quickly and systematically.
This is done to check all area of the body for damage.
Bleeding- check for blood in the area and on the patient
Head and neck- check for bruising and/or deformity. Gently feel the back of the neck for damage.
Shoulders and chest- feel for fractures in the collarbones and ribs.
Abdomen and pelvis- feel around the abdomen for abnormities and/or pain.
Legs and arms- check for fractures and/or any other clues.
Pelvis- make sure there are no items that could injure themselves or you. If possible, have a witness available
Recovery- make sure you do not cause further damage to the person when placing them in the recovery position. If
a neck injury is suspected, as along as their airway is maintained, do it move them and instead stabilise the head
either side with your hands.
Pockets- check the person’s pockets to make sure there are no items that could injure them when you roll them into
the recovery position. Be overly cautious of sharp objects for example, needles). If possible, have a witness if you
remove anything from their pockets.
