Basic Emergency First Aid: Is the average person ready?

We’ll admit, we were feeling pretty confident when we hit the streets with a wad of cash and a simple question: “Do you know the name of Australia’s Emergency First Aid Action Plan?” After all, it’s the main thing you should learn at a first aid course– surely most people know it, right?

Wrong.

We started off with a pile of crips fivers to give anyone who could correctly identify all the steps of the DRSABCD plan (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation). But as it turns out, we didn’t actually need to bring a pile of cash, because out of all the people surveyed, only ONE person was able to correctly identify all the steps.

So we quadrupled the take to $20, to see if we could coax some more people to have a crack. It took a fair while, but eventually we found one legend Lucy who knew. Life lesson, if you’re in an emergency make sure Lucy’s around.

It’s a bit of a worry, really. Medical emergencies can strike at any time and anywhere, and being prepared and knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. But with most Aussies unable to identify the basic steps of the DRSABCD plan, it’s clear that we’ve got a bit of work to do.

So how can you ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared for a medical emergency? The first step is to familiarize yourself with the DRSABCD plan. Our Ultimate Guide to DRSABCD, available on the Accidental Health and Safety website, provides a comprehensive overview of the steps to take in a medical emergency. It will help you master the essential skills of CPR and defibrillation.

It’s also a good idea to consider taking a first aid course, which can provide more in-depth training on how to respond to a range of medical emergencies. At our courses, it’s always our aim to make sure you nail DRSABCD.

So don’t be like the like the many who couldn’t tell you what DRSABCD stands for (or thought it was a craft beer). Take the time to learn about the life-saving emergency first aid plan, and make sure you have the necessary supplies and training to respond effectively in an emergency. You never know – it could save your life, or the life of a mate.”