DR<C>CABCDE
What is DR <C> ABCDE?
DR <C> ABCDE is a practical assessment tool used to help you stay calm and work methodically in an emergency. It guides you through a clear set of checks, starting with immediate dangers and moving through the body systems that fail fastest. This tool allows you to quickly identify and treat anything that is life, limb or sight threatening and is used by first aiders and paramedics across the UK and worldwide.
Think of it as your quick “big sick or little sick” check; a fast way to decide what needs attention right now and what can wait a moment longer.
So why do we use DR <C> ABCDE?
1. It keeps you safe before anything else
The “D” for Danger always comes first. You cannot help anyone if you are injured yourself; taking a moment to check for hazards prevents one casualty becoming two.
2. It gives you a plan you can rely on under stress
Emergencies are chaotic and emotional; having a structured method keeps you focused. You simply move through the steps in order: Danger; Response; Catastrophic Bleeding; Airway; Breathing; Circulation; Disability; Exposure. No matter how confusing the scene is, you always know what comes next.
3. It follows the order the body needs to stay alive
This is the most important part. DR <C> ABCDE is not just a memory trick; it is built around basic physiology.
Catastrophic bleeding comes first because without circulating blood there is no oxygen delivery. A person can lose consciousness and die within minutes if they lose enough blood. Stopping a massive bleed gives the body a chance to survive the next steps.
Airway comes next because you cannot breathe without a clear, open airway. If the airway is blocked, oxygen cannot reach the lungs regardless of how fast you try to breathe.
Breathing follows because the lungs must take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide; without gas exchange the blood becomes unusable, even if the airway is open.
Circulation comes after that because once oxygen is in the blood, the heart must pump it around the body. A heart that is not circulating blood effectively will quickly lead to collapse and cardiac arrest.
This sequence reflects how quickly each system fails; catastrophic bleeding, airway obstruction and respiratory failure cause death far faster than most other injuries.
4. It works even if you do not know what the cause is
You do not need to diagnose the problem before you treat it; the survey helps you identify what needs immediate action even when the cause is unclear. You do not need to know why someone is not breathing to start CPR; you do not need to know how a bleed happened to stop it. You simply work through the steps.
5. It is the standard used across UK first aid and emergency care
You will find versions of this approach from St John Ambulance; British Red Cross; Qualsafe; and the Resuscitation Council UK. Using the same model improves teamwork and makes handovers clearer.
6. It helps you reassess and stay calm as the situation changes
You do not complete DR <C> ABCDE once and forget about it; you repeat it because casualties can improve or deteriorate quickly. A simple, predictable structure keeps you calm and consistent.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for certified first aid training. Although we base our information on current UK-approved guidelines (Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, etc.), performing first aid requires practice, training and judgement. If in doubt, always call emergency services (999 in the UK) and wait for professional responders. K2 International does not accept liability for actions taken by users based on this guide.