Managing an Incident

What does DRSABC stand for in emergency response?

• ADanger, Response, Safety, Airway, Breathing, Circulation✓
• BDanger, Response, Sensitivity, Ability, Breathing, Care
• CDanger, Rescue, Stabilise, Assess, Breathe, Check
• DDanger, Response, Scene safety, Alert, Bind, Call

Answer: DRSABC is the primary survey approach: Danger (check for hazards), Response (check consciousness), Send for help (call 999), Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

What is the first action you should take when approaching a casualty?

• AMove the casualty immediately
• BCheck the scene is safe and there is no danger to you✓
• CCall for an ambulance before checking the casualty
• DGive the casualty water to drink

Answer: The first step is to ensure your own safety and that the scene is safe. Never put yourself at risk; you cannot help the casualty if you become a casualty.

How should you check if an unconscious person is responsive?

• AShake them gently and shout 'Are you alright?'✓
• BPinch them hard to see if they react
• CAssume they are unconscious and call 999 immediately
• DWait a few minutes before checking

Answer: Gently shake the person's shoulders and shout in their ear to check for response. This assesses their level of consciousness safely.

When should you call 999 in a medical emergency?

• AOnly if the casualty is unconscious
• BImmediately if the casualty has serious injury or illness✓
• COnly after 30 minutes
• DNever call 999 for workplace incidents

Answer: Call 999 immediately for serious injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, or any life-threatening condition.

What information should you provide to the emergency dispatcher?

• AYour name only
• BThe location, nature of injury/illness, number of casualties, and any hazards✓
• COnly the postcode
• DYour phone number only

Answer: Provide the dispatcher with the location (specific address/postcode), what happened, number of casualties, their condition, and any hazards (e.g., chemical spill).

What is the purpose of the recovery position?

• ATo make the casualty more comfortable
• BTo keep the airway open and allow fluids to drain from the mouth✓
• CTo speed up recovery from unconsciousness
• DTo prevent the casualty from moving

Answer: The recovery position keeps an unconscious casualty's airway open, prevents choking if they vomit, and allows drainage of fluids from the mouth.

What should you do if a casualty is bleeding heavily?

• ALeave them until paramedics arrive
• BApply direct pressure with clean material and elevate the limb✓
• CApply a tourniquet immediately
• DWash the wound thoroughly

Answer: Apply direct pressure with clean material and elevate the limb (if possible) to control heavy bleeding. Only use a tourniquet for life-threatening limb bleeding.

What is triage?

• AA type of bandage
• BThe process of assessing and prioritizing casualties by severity✓
• CA medical treatment
• DA method of calling an ambulance

Answer: Triage is the rapid assessment of multiple casualties to determine the order of treatment based on injury severity and likelihood of survival.

In a multi-casualty incident, which casualty should be treated first?

• AThe one who is shouting the loudest
• BThe one who arrived first
• CThe one with the most life-threatening condition✓
• DThe one closest to the first aider

Answer: In triage, casualties with life-threatening conditions (e.g., severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding) are treated first, even if others appear more distressed.

What should you do if a casualty becomes violent or aggressive?

• ARestrain them physically
• BLeave the area immediately and call for assistance
• CTry to calm them; if unsafe, step back and call for help✓
• DIgnore the behaviour and continue treatment

Answer: Your safety is paramount. If a casualty becomes aggressive, move away, alert others, and call for professional help (police/paramedics). Never risk your safety.

How should you move a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?

• AMove them as quickly as possible to safety
• BAvoid movement unless there is immediate danger✓
• CMove them only if they ask you to
• DMove them with support for the neck and spine

Answer: Avoid moving a casualty with suspected spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger. Unnecessary movement can cause further damage.

What should you do while waiting for the ambulance to arrive?

• ALeave the casualty alone to reduce disturbance
• BContinuously reassess the casualty and keep them warm and reassured✓
• CGive them food or drink
• DAsk them detailed questions about the incident

Answer: While waiting for the ambulance, reassess the casualty's condition regularly, keep them warm with a blanket, reassure them, and monitor their breathing and consciousness.