What to do first after an accident

If someone is injured in an accident:

• first check that you and the casualty are not in any danger and, if so, make the situation safe
• when safe, assess the casualty and dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance (if necessary)
• carry out basic first aid

Assessing a casualty

The priorities when dealing with a casualty can be remembered as ABC:

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

Airway

If the casualty looks to be unconcious, check this by asking them loudly if they are OK and if they can open their eyes. If there is a response then you can leave the casualty in the position they are in until help arrives. While you wait keep checking their vital signs, such as their temperature, pulse and whether they are breathing.

If there is no response, leave the casualty in the position they are in and open their airway. If this is not possible in the position they are in, gently lay the casualty on their back and open the airway.

You open the airway by placing one hand on the casualty's forehead and gently tilting the head back, then lifting the chin using two fingers. This is to move the tongue away from the back of the mouth.

If you suspect spinal injury, use the jaw thrust technique. Place your hands on either side of their face. With your fingertips gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt the casualty's neck.

Breathing

To check if a person is still breathing, look to see that the casualty's chest is rising and falling, listen for breathing and see if you can feel breath against your cheek for 10 seconds.

If they are breathing, place them into the recovery position so the airway remains clear of obstructions.

Circulation

As soon as you notice that a casualty has stopped breathing, the emergency services should be called.

If the casualty has stopped breathing you can help maintain their circulation by performing a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths called CPR, or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This will keep them alive until the emergency services arrive.

Agonal breathing is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating). Agonal breathing is sudden irregular gasps of breath. This should not be mistaken for normal breathing and CPR should be given straight away.