If you find yourself at the scene of an accident, or there is someone you’re travelling with that is injured or taken ill, you may find yourself having to deal with the situation yourself until emergency services arrive.

If this happens, its important to stay calm and remember the letters

D R A B C

To follow the steps provided in the Highway Code.

D - Danger

Check that it’s safe to approach.

R - Response

See if the casualty is responsive by gently shaking them and asking if they are okay. If they respond you can check for injuries, but if not, move onto the next step

A - Airway

Open the casualty’s airway by placing your fingers under their chin and lifting it forward.

B - Breathing

Check that the casualty is breathing normally. Look for chest movements, look and listen for breathing, and feel for breath on your cheek.

If there are no signs of breathing, start CPR. Interlock your fingers, place them in the centre of the casualty’s chest and press down hard and fast – around 5 to 6 centimetres and about twice a second. You may only need one hand for a child and shouldn’t press down as far. For infants, use two fingers in the middle of the chest and press down about a third of the chest depth. Don’t stop until the casualty starts breathing again or a medical professional takes over.

C - Circulation

If the casualty is responsive and breathing, check for signs of bleeding. Protect yourself from exposure to blood and check for anything that may be in the wound, such as glass. Don’t remove anything that’s stuck in the wound. Taking care not to press on the object, build up padding on either side of the object. If nothing is embedded, apply firm pressure over the wound to stem the flow of blood. As soon as practical, fasten a pad to the wound with a bandage or length of cloth. Use the cleanest material available.

Burns

Only where safe, try to put out any flames, but never put yourself in any danger. If there is a casualty with a burn injury, cool it for at least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water. Don’t try and cover anything that’s sticking to the burn, and cover the injury with cling film if you have access to any.

Be prepared

First Aid is a valuable life skill, so consider taking a course and always carry a first aid kit in your car. You may never need to use it, but you could save a life!

Our distance learning courses teach essential driving skills for your Duke Of Edinburgh Award. Sign up today or get in touch with us for more information.

First Aid on the road