What Does DRABC Stand For? Learn the Lifesaving First Aid Steps Everyone Should Know
- Slanjava Learning Ltd.
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 9
DRABC is a memory aid to help you assess and manage emergency situations. Whether you are at work, at home, or out in the community, knowing DRABC could mean the difference between life and death. It's one of the first skills taught in any accredited First Aid course, and for good reason, it could save a life!
What does DRABC stand for?
DRABC is an acronym:
D | Danger: Check for any danger to yourself, the casualty, or others. |
R | Response: Check if the casualty is responsive. Us the "Talk and Tap" method: speak to them and gently tap their shoulders. |
A | Airway: Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. |
B | Breathing: Look, listen, and fell for normal breathing for 10 seconds. |
C | Circulation/CPR: If not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and ask someone to call emergency services (999 or 112 in the UK). |
Each of these steps provides a clear, structured approach to help you prioritise what matters most in an emergency: preserving life.
The first component, 'Danger,' prompts you to assess the situation for any hazards before approaching. This step is vital; rushing in without considering potential risks could result in further harm to both the rescuer and the casualty. Identifying dangers such as oncoming traffic, electrical hazards, or fire allows you to proceed safely or call for professional help if the risks are too high.
Next is 'Response,' which involves checking if the casualty is conscious. This initial assessment helps determine the severity of the situation. Gently shake them or tap the person's shoulders and ask loudly if they can hear you. A lack of response indicates a need for immediate intervention, while a conscious individual can provide information about their condition. Understanding this distinction is crucial for prioritising actions and calling for additional help if necessary.
The third step, 'Airway,' involves ensuring the casualty's airway is clear. If a person is unresponsive, it is critical to check that nothing is blocking their airway, such as food, vomit, debris, or the tongue. When an individual is unconscious, the tongue can fall back and block the airway, which is a common cause of airway obstruction. To open the airway, gently tilt the casualty's head back and lift the chin. If you suspect the tongue is obstructing the airway, the head-tilt-chin-lift manoeuvre helps to move it out the way. A clear airway is essential for the casualty to breathe, and without it, even the most skilled first aider cannot save a life.
The fourth step, 'Breathing,' involves checking if the casualty is breathing. This can be done by observing the chest for movement, listening for breathing sounds, and feeling for breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or breathing irregularly call 999 and move to the next step.
Finally, 'Circulation' focuses on checking for signs of circulation. If the person is not breathing, check for signs such as pulse and severe bleeding. If there are no signs of circulation, continue with CPR (cardiopulmonary circulation) immediately. For adults this is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Repeat this cycle until professional help arrives or the person shows signs of life. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to control it. This step ensure that vital organs receive oxygenated blood, which is crucial for survival.
Get Trained: First Aid That Works for Real Life
At Slanjava Learning Ltd, we believe that everyone should feel confident to help in a crisis. Our training is inclusive, hands-on, and built around real world scenarios, helping you to gain the practical skills that matter the most.
We deliver the following accredited First Aid courses:
Physical First Aid courses
First Aid at Work - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 3 day
A comprehensive course for workplace First Aiders in more complex environments that need full certification.
First Aid at Work Re-qualification - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 2 day
For those renewing their First Aid at Work certification.
Emergency First Aid at Work - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 1 day
A practical course covering essential life-saving skills for the workplace.
Basic Life Support & Safe Use of an AED - SCQF Level 5/RQF Level 2 - 1/2 day
Covers CPR and how to use and Automated External Defibrillator.
Catastrophic Bleeding Control/Life-Threatening Bleeding - 1/2 day
Learn how to manage severe, life-threatening bleeds using tourniquets and haemostatic dressings.
Activity First Aid - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 2 day
Designed for those involved in outdoor activities, sports, or active workplaces.
Paediatric First Aid courses
Paediatric First Aid - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 2 days
A comprehensive course of those working or caring for children professionally.
Paediatric Emergency First Aid - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 1 day
Covers emergency care for babies and children - ideal for schools, nurseries, and parents.
Mental Health First Aid courses
First Aid for Mental Health Awareness - SCQF Level 4/RQF Level 1 - 1/2 day
A great starting point for anyone who wants to understand mental health and how to offer initial support.
First Aid for Mental Health - SCQF Level 5/RQF Level 2 - 1 day
Ideal for staff, volunteers, and managers to recognise signs and symptoms, and know how to respond.
First Aid for Youth Mental Health - SCQF Level 5/RQF Level 2 - 1 day
Tailored for those working with young people in schools, clubs, or care settings.
First Aid for Mental Health Supervising/Leading - SCQF Level 6/RQF Level 3 - 2 days
Designed for leaders, managers, and Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace.
Where we Train
We're based in Ayrshire, Scotland, but our team delivers First Aid training throughout the UK including:
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and London. We offer both in-person and blended learning options to suit your needs.
At Slanjava Learning Ltd, we believe in helping others to help others. Join us in making a difference.
Interested in learning more? You can book onto one of our accredited First Aid courses by calling 0141 459 0894 or emailing hello@slanjavalearning.co.uk
Kind regards,
Slanjava Learning
-slàinte mhath-
References:
British Heart Foundation (2023) Cardiac arrest statistics. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk (Accessed: 02 April 2025)
Resuscitation Council UK (2021) CPR facts and figures. Available at: https://www.resus.org.uk (Accessed: 02 April 2025)
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blogpost is for general educational purposes only ans is not a substitute for professional medical adivce, diadnosis, or treatment. First Aid techniques, including those outlined in DRABC, should be applied only within the scope of your training and current certifications. Always seek emergency medical assistance by calling 999 in the UK if someone is unresponsive or experiencing a life-threatening condition.
The content reflects the training, qualifications, and experience of Slanjava Learning Ltd and is intended to promote awareness and encourage accredited First Aid training. We strongly recommend attending a recognised First Aid course to gain the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in real-life emergencies.
Useful recap of DRABC from previous first aid course.