When someone collapses without warning, ordinary bystanders often become the first and most crucial link in the chain of survival. Join us to learn simple but life‑saving steps that can dramatically improve a person’s chances of surviving a cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrests make up around 25% of our missions, and survival depends heavily on the actions taken before emergency services arrive on scene. DSAA’s CPR and defibrillator awareness sessions teach participants how to deliver effective, early life‑saving care using the DRS‑ABC approach, a simple mnemonic designed to help you remember each critical step.

DRS-ABC

Danger: Before assisting, check that the environment poses no danger to you or others.

Response: Gently squeeze the person’s shoulders and speak loudly to see if they are responsive.

Shout for Help: Dial 999 for an ambulance. Put the phone on loudspeaker and follow the advice from the call handler. Use What3Words to help us find you in a rural or remote location. Meanwhile, ask a helper to find the nearest defibrillator (AED).

Airway: Remove any visible obstructions and open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the jaw.

Breathing: Look, listen and feel for normal breathing. If breathing isn’t normal begin CPR.

CPR: Start chest compressions and fetch the nearest defibrillator. AEDs are designed for anyone to use, simply turn the device on and follow the spoken instructions.

Continue until help arrives

Do not stop chest compressions unless:

• The person begins to breathe normally.
• A defibrillator instructs you to pause.
• Emergency medical teams take over.

Watch a demonstration

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Get involved

With the right knowledge and confidence, anyone can be a life-saver. Find out how to get involved and learn these essential skills through DSAA’s Life Support initiative.

Book a CPR session