Mountain Cards
First aid · primary survey

Patient Primary Survey (DR ABCDE)

The first, life-saving check on a casualty: Danger, Response, <C> catastrophic bleeding, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure — worked through in order.

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Prints as an A6 landscape card. In the print dialog pick A6 and “fit to page”, then cut along the black border.

✉️ Recommend to a friend
A memory aid, not medical training. In an emergency always dial 999 / 112 (or call/text 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue) as soon as it's safe to do so.
Patient Primary SurveyDR <C> ABCDEDDangerMake sure the area is safe for you, the casualty and any bystandersbefore approaching.RResponseGently shake their shoulders and ask loudly: 'Are you OK? Open youreyes.'CCatastrophic bleedingControl any life-threatening bleeding first — firm direct pressure or atourniquet.AAirwayOpen the airway: tilt the head back and lift the chin with two fingers.BBreathingLook, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.CCirculationCheck for and control any severe bleeding, then treat for shock.DDisabilityCheck their level of response (AVPU) and look for signs of head, spinalor stroke injury.EExposureExamine for other injuries, then cover and insulate them from the coldand ground.Mountain CardsFirst-aid primary survey

Use of this tool is offered on the condition of a donation to Severn Area Rescue Association.