When someone collapses or becomes unresponsive, it’s natural to panic, but knowing how to start CPR can make a life-saving difference. And it all begins before you even think about chest compressions.
In this short First Aid FAQ video, one of our expert trainers Nigel demonstrates the exact steps to follow when you first encounter a casualty. These checks help you assess the situation and determine whether CPR is needed.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔸 Step 1: Check for danger
Your safety is the priority. Look around carefully to ensure the scene is safe for you to approach. This could include hazards like traffic, electricity, or other people.
🔸 Step 2: Check for responsiveness
Gently tap or shake the person’s shoulders. Call out loudly: “Can you hear me?” You can also apply a pain stimulus by pressing firmly on the collarbone (clavicle). If there’s no response, it’s time to act.
🔸 Step 3: Open the airway
Use the head tilt chin lift technique to open the person’s airway. This is a key step in preparing to check for breathing and deliver rescue breaths if necessary.
🔸 Step 4: Look inside the mouth
Visually check for any obstructions in the mouth that could block the airway. If the airway is clear and the person is still unresponsive, you’ll move on to checking for breathing and starting CPR.
These early steps might seem simple, but they’re absolutely vital. Knowing how to assess danger, check responsiveness, and open the airway gives you the confidence to act quickly and correctly in a high-pressure situation.
Watch the full video above to see these steps demonstrated clearly and calmly.
If you’re ready to refresh your first aid knowledge or build your confidence from the ground up, explore our certified courses, or give us a call and we can talk through what might be the right course for you and your team.
