The initial check of a victim in need of assistance should include identification of life-threatening problems. This step involves checking the following:

Responsiveness: Call the victim in a loud voice. If the victim does not respond, gently tap or shake the victim’s shoulder. If there is no response, be sure that 997 have been notified and ask if anyone knows CPR.

Airway: The most common obstruction of the airway in an unresponsive person is the tongue. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the jaw.

Breathing: Determine if the victim is breathing by checking the chest to see if it is rising and falling. Listen for breathing sounds or feel for air on your cheek.

Severe Bleeding: Check for bleeding by quickly scanning the victim for blood-soaked clothing or obvious blood pools around them. If you see severe bleeding, simply put direct pressure on the site to help control the bleeding.

These four simple steps can tell you much about the condition of the victim. You should you use some type of barrier protection such as latex gloves when dealing with a sick or injured person, this helps prevent transmission of disease. While these steps are only the beginning of assistance to a sick or injured patient, they can be life saving.

For more detailed information and actions sign up for a first aid or CPR class today!