Know the DRABC Protocol, Save Limbs

Fractures, which are broken bones, require appropriate medical attention. But when medical attention is yet to come (i.e., accident in the wilderness or remote area), it pays to know the DRABC protocol, which can save the limbs, if not the lives, of injured persons.

D – Danger

When approaching the scene of an emergency, be sure to check for signs of danger where you, the casualty, and other are concerned. Keep in mind that you will be unable to come to the full aid of the injured person when you are also injured.

R – Respond

Your next step is to check for response from the injured person. If he is conscious, gently shake him and ask, “Can you hear me?” and wait for an answer, even a feeble one. Check him for bleeding, wounds, and other injuries, too.

If he is unconscious, then he should be turned on his side to open his airways.

• Kneel beside him. Place his farther arm at a right angle to his body. Place his nearer arm across his chest. Bend his nearer knee up.
• Roll him away from you but be sure to support him in this position until you have checked his breathing and opened his airway.

This is, of course, with the assumption that the casualty’s fractured area has been immobilized prior to turning him over to his side. Keep in mind that an injured person should ideally not be moved in any drastic manner until the paramedics or the doctors arrive at the scene.

A – Airway

Clearing the airway is important for obvious reasons but be sure to follow these steps to open it for the casualty’s benefit:

• To clear his airway, tilt the casualty’s head backwards and slightly down after supporting him on his side. Open his mouth and remove any foreign objects; dentures can be removed but only when these pose a threat (i.e., loose or broken).
• To open his airway, place one hand on his forehead while supporting his chin with your other hand. Gently tilt his head backwards and lift his jaw so as to slightly open his mouth.

B – Breathing

Check for breathing – the chest rising and falling, the sound of breathing, and the feel of air on your finger pressed near the casualty’s nose, for example. If he is breathing, be sure to keep him on hi stable side position and to check for other injuries. If he is not breathing, start EAR (expired air resuscitation).

C – Circulation

Check for the carotid pulse (i.e., neck). If pulse is present, continue with EAR movements and check pulse after a minute and then 2 minutes after. If pulse is still not present, proceed to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), check breathing and pulse after 1 minutes, repeat CPR, and check after 2 minutes.

If the pulse returns, perform EAR again. If the breathing returns, be sure to turn the casualty to his stable side position before checking for injuries again.

Let’s just say that the DRABC protocol can save limbs and lives so you may want to learn more about it, say, in your local Red Cross facility.

Don’t delay and call 888-719-8448 to talk to a Healthpointe doctor to get a check-up. If you feel fatigue or any pain, make an appointment because we are passionate about health, mindfulness, prevention, and helping you achieve a holistic wellbeing. For more information about holistic medicine and the doctors at Healthpointe who can help you live your healthiest life, contact any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the Long Beach office by Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Garden Grove, which is conveniently located near Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net.