Scene assessment, safety and the chain of survival
This domain tests whether you can take control of an incident before treating anyone: spotting hazards, protecting yourself, summoning the right help and explaining why each link in the chain of survival matters. Examiners reward a structured, spoken approach and penalise rescuers who rush straight to the casualty.
DRSABCD: the primary survey
Work through the steps in order, and in practical stations say them aloud:
- Danger – to you, the casualty and bystanders. Think traffic, moving machinery, electricity, fire, chemicals, confined spaces, sharps and body fluids.
- Response – shout and squeeze the shoulders.
- Send for help – dial 999 (Malaysia) or the site emergency number. Give location, nature of the incident, number of casualties and a callback number; send someone to meet the ambulance and to bring the AED.
- Airway – head tilt and chin lift unless spinal injury is suspected.
- Breathing – look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds.
- CPR and Defibrillation – start compressions if the casualty is not breathing normally.
Safety, PPE and consent
Never enter an unsafe scene you cannot make safe; withdraw and call for specialist help. Put on gloves, eye protection and a mask, and wash your hands afterwards. Introduce yourself, explain what you are doing and obtain consent; an unconscious casualty gives implied consent. Move a casualty only if there is immediate danger.
The chain of survival
Early recognition and call for help, early CPR, early defibrillation, advanced care, then post-resuscitation care. In the workplace this means knowing where the nearest AED is kept, who the trained first aiders are and how emergency services will reach the site.
Worked example
A worker collapses beside a moving forklift. Reasoning: do not kneel next to the wheels - signal the driver to stop and isolate the vehicle first (Danger). Then check response, send a runner to call 999 and fetch the AED, and have a colleague direct traffic. Only then open the airway and assess breathing.
Traps that cost marks
- Rushing in without checking danger.
- Failing to verbalise “send for help” or forgetting to request the AED.
- Checking breathing for too long, or moving a breathing casualty unnecessarily instead of using the recovery position.