Emergencies at home can be so scary – your toddler is choking, your baby isn’t breathing, or your child collapses unexpectedly. But in those critical first few minutes, what you do next can save a life.
At GROW First Aid, we specialise in accredited First Aid training for parents, educators, and support workers. We teach you what to do in real-life emergencies – using calm, step-by-step methods based on Australia’s national First Aid guidelines.
One of the most important tools we teach is the DRABCD action plan.
What is DRSABCD in First Aid? ⟶
DRSABCD is a simple, evidence-based sequence used across all accredited First Aid courses in Australia. It helps you respond safely and effectively when someone is unconscious, not breathing, or unresponsive.
This framework is taught under the ANZCOR (Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines and is used by medical professionals, childcare workers, teachers, and parents across the country. (1)
Danger
Before helping someone, make sure that you check the area is safe for you and your child.
Look for:
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Electrical cords
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Spilled fluids
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Broken glass
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Pets or other people in distress
💡 Example: Your child collapses in the kitchen. Check for spilled water or hot appliances before rushing in.
Response
Check if the person is conscious. Make sure that you speak loudly and clearly:
“Can you hear me?” or “Open your eyes!”
Tap their shoulder or rub their foot if they’re a baby.
If they do not respond, call 000 immediately.
Send for help
Once you’ve checked for danger and confirmed the person is unresponsive, it’s time to call 000. If someone is with you, ask them to call while you begin First Aid. If you’re alone, make the call yourself before starting CPR.
💡 Early contact with emergency services gives the person the best chance of survival – paramedics can talk you through what to do while help is on the way.
Airway
If unresponsive, check their mouth for any blockages. Tilt their head back, lift the chin, and look into the mouth.
Remove only visible objects – never sweep blindly.
💡 Example: A toddler collapses and you see food in their mouth. Is it right at the front of their mouth? Put them on their side and remove it carefully – only if it’s reachable.
Breathing
Watch their chest. Can you see it rise and fall?
Listen for breathing and feel for air from the nose or mouth – check for up to 10 seconds.
If they’re not breathing normally (or just gasping), start CPR.
🩺 According to ANZCOR, abnormal gasping is not effective breathing and CPR should begin immediately. (2)
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Start 30 compressions, followed by 2 breaths.
Repeat 30:2 cycles until help arrives.
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For babies < 1 year old: use two fingers in the centre of the chest just below the nipple line
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For children 1-8: use one or two hands depending on size
- For adults: use two hands in the centre of their chest
🩺 According to the Heart Foundation, early CPR can triple survival rates in cardiac arrest. (3)
Defibrilation (AED)
If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
AEDs are safe to use, even for untrained responders. You can find them in schools, shopping centres, and workplaces across Australia.
Why parents should learn First Aid?
💛 Because how you respond to a life threatening emergency matters.
🧠 Brain cells begin to die within 4-6 minutes of oxygen loss. (4)
When you’re the first person on the scene – whether at home, school, or out in the community – knowing DRSABCD can be the difference between life and death.
And the good news? You can learn it in just a few hours.
Where to learn First Aid in Albury Wodonga
At GROW First Aid, we offer nationally accredited First Aid training in Albury-Wodonga and surrounds. Our courses are taught by experienced healthcare professionals in a boutique, supportive setting – perfect for families, educators, and NDIS support workers.
Choose from:
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HLTAID009 – Provide CPR
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HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
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HLTAID012 – First Aid in an Education & Care Setting
[Training is delivered by GROW Foundations on behalf of ABC First Aid RTO 3399]
We keep our classes small, our content relevant, and our delivery calm and engaging – no jargon, just practical skills.
You don’t have to be a hero, you just need to be prepared
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. DRABCD gives you a structure to follow, even when everything feels overwhelming.
Book your accredited First Aid course today!
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, support worker, or carer – First Aid is for you.
👉 Click here to book your spot
Or follow us on Instagram @grow_foundations for everyday tips and upcoming dates.
References
• (1, 2) ANZCOR – Guideline 8: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
anzcor.org
• (3) Heart Foundation – Cardiac Arrest
heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiac-arrest
• (4) Healthdirect Australia – Cardiac Arrest
healthdirect.gov.au
• Restart a Heart Day Australia – CPR Statistics & Survival Rates
restartaheart.net
• DRSABCD image based on ANZCOR – Guideline 8: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – Basic Life Support (August 2023)
anzcor.org/assets/Uploads/Basic-Life-Support-August-2023-1-v3.pdf
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