Essential First Aid Skills Every Australian Should Know

Every year, thousands of Australians find themselves in situations where basic first aid knowledge could mean the difference between life and death. Whether you're at home with your family, hiking through the bush, or simply going about your daily routine, knowing how to respond in a medical emergency is one of the most valuable skills you can possess. This guide covers the fundamental first aid skills that every Australian should know.

Understanding DRSABCD: The Foundation of Emergency Response

The DRSABCD action plan is the cornerstone of first aid training in Australia. This systematic approach ensures you address the most critical aspects of an emergency in the correct order, maximising the chances of a positive outcome.

Memorising DRSABCD and practising it regularly ensures that in a high-stress emergency situation, you'll be able to respond automatically without having to stop and think about what to do next.

Assessing the Scene and Ensuring Safety

Before rushing to help someone, you must first ensure the scene is safe. This might seem counterintuitive when someone is clearly in distress, but becoming a casualty yourself helps no one. Look for hazards such as traffic, fire, electrical wires, aggressive animals, or unstable structures.

If the scene is unsafe, do not enter. Call 000 immediately and provide as much information as possible to emergency services. If you can make the scene safe without putting yourself at risk, such as turning off a gas valve or moving an electrical appliance using a non-conductive object, do so before approaching the casualty.

Calling for Emergency Help

In Australia, the emergency number is 000. When you call, you'll be asked which service you need: police, fire, or ambulance. For medical emergencies, ask for an ambulance. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your exact location, including street address or landmarks
• The nature of the emergency
• How many people are injured
• The condition of the casualty (conscious, breathing, etc.)
• Your name and phone number

Stay on the line as the operator may provide life-saving instructions while help is on the way. If you're in a remote area without mobile coverage, a satellite emergency beacon or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) can be a lifesaver.

Treating Wounds and Controlling Bleeding

Cuts, scrapes, and more serious wounds are among the most common injuries you'll encounter. The principles of wound care are straightforward but must be applied correctly to prevent infection and promote healing.

Minor Wounds

For minor cuts and abrasions, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly or put on disposable gloves
2. Clean the wound under running water to remove debris
3. Apply an antiseptic solution or wipe
4. Cover with an appropriate sterile dressing or adhesive bandage
5. Monitor for signs of infection over the following days

Severe Bleeding

For serious bleeding, the priority is to stop the blood loss as quickly as possible:

Managing Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's organs don't receive enough blood and oxygen. It can result from severe bleeding, allergic reactions, heart problems, or serious infections. Recognising and treating shock early is critical.

Signs of shock include:

• Pale, cold, and clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Dizziness or faintness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or anxiety

To treat shock, lay the person down and elevate their legs about 30 centimetres if possible (unless you suspect a spinal injury). Keep them warm with a blanket, loosen any tight clothing, and do not give them anything to eat or drink. Monitor their breathing and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

The Recovery Position

If someone is unconscious but breathing normally, placing them in the recovery position helps keep their airway clear and prevents them from choking on vomit or other fluids.

Choking Response

Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing air from reaching the lungs. In adults and children over one year old, the response involves encouraging them to cough if they can still breathe, and if they cannot breathe or speak, delivering up to five back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by up to five abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich manoeuvre) if back blows are unsuccessful.

For infants under one year, the technique differs: hold the baby face-down along your forearm with their head lower than their body, and deliver up to five back blows. If unsuccessful, turn them face-up and deliver up to five chest thrusts using two fingers on the breastbone.

Building Your First Aid Skills

While this guide provides an overview of essential first aid skills, there is no substitute for hands-on training. Organisations such as St John Ambulance, the Australian Red Cross, and Royal Life Saving Society Australia offer accredited first aid courses throughout the country. These courses provide practical experience in a controlled environment and ensure you're prepared to respond confidently when an emergency occurs.

Consider refreshing your first aid training every three years, as recommended by Safe Work Australia, to ensure your skills remain current and your confidence stays high.