Early recognition is a key in starting early management of an emergency situation.

In all emergency situations, the first aider must:

• Assess the situation quickly.
• Send for help.
• Ensure the safety for the first aider, patient and bystanders.
• Commence appropriate treatment following the Basic Life Support Flow Chart

Where there is more than one patient, the care of an unconscious patient has priority.

General principles of management of the collapsed or injured patient

After ensuring safety of the patient, first aider and bystanders, the management of the collapsed or injured patient involves:

• Prevention of further harm or injury.
• Checking response to verbal and tactile stimuli.
• Sending for help.
• Care of airway, breathing, circulation.
• Control of bleeding.
• Protection from the environmental elements.
• Other first aid measures depending on the circumstances.
• Gentle handling.
• Reassurance.
• Continued observation.