Action in an Emergency
When dealing with an emergency situation and you’re first on scene, you must be in SHAPE.
S
SAFETY AND PROTECTION – Ensure you protect yourself first followed by your casualty and bystanders.
H
HAZARDS – Identify and remove any hazards which could be traffic, electricity, gas, other people…
A
ASSESS THE SITUATION – Take a few seconds to look at what you’re dealing with.
P
PRIORITISE – Ensure you prioritise injuries to the casualty or multiple casualties.
E
ENVIRONMENT – Be aware of your environment. This could be water or the surface you’re about to kneel on.
Remember, your first aim as a first aider is to preserve life… yours! Never put yourself in danger in order to help someone else.
The least you can do is promote their recovery by calling 999/112 and asking for assistance.
Bystanders
Remember to utilise bystanders to assist in maintaining a safe scene.
A bystander can:
- Calling the emergency services
- Manage crowds and hazards
- Fetch a first aid kit / defibrillator (AED)
- Help if they’re trained to do so
- Console relatives
- Help clean up
- A support for you
Version: Version: 1.07