When faced with a medical emergency, the moments following an incident are critical. Knowing how to act quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death. That’s where the Primary Survey—a systematic approach to assessing and treating casualties—comes in.

The Primary Survey ensures that the most vital issues are addressed first, helping bystanders provide immediate and effective care until professional help arrives. In this blog, we’ll break down the importance of the Primary Survey, explore each step of the DR ABC approach, and show why this method is essential for first responders and laypeople alike.

It is something that everyone hopes will never happen, but medical emergencies do happen - and responding confidently and quickly in these situations is vital for the best possible outcomes.

From allergic reactions and choking to heart attacks and cardiac arrest, certain emergencies require immediate intervention to prevent death. In this blog we will look at a few common medical emergencies and how to respond in the initial moments for the best chance of a good outcome.

While cardiac arrest is thankfully rare in children, it does happen, and knowing the differences when responding to a child in cardiac arrest compared to an adult can be the difference between life and death.

12 young people die each week in the UK as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and each year, sadly 270 children die from SCA at school.

A common medical issue among children is an allergic reaction - these can range from mild to life-threatening depending on the allergy. Steps should be taken to prevent children with allergies from coming into contact with allergens, but this isn’t always possible and accidents happen.

Acting decisively and promptly in an allergy situation can prevent serious harm or death.