Assessing a Casualty in First Aid: You Could Save Someone's Life

Correctly assessing a casualty in first aid could help you save the life of someone you love, as well as others.

What is a casualty? According to dictionary.com, the word casualty commonly refers to war victims, as “a member of the armed forces lost to service through death, wounds, sickness, capture or because his or her whereabouts or condition cannot be determined”. In day-to-day life, casualty also refers to individuals in life threatening situations.

How can you assess a casualty appropriately? What you need to do in terms of assessing a casualty in first aid, initially depends upon the situation at hand. Each situation will be unique. The accuracy of your assessment skills in first aid may be critical in life and death situations.

The web site “Firstaid.ph” offers some important guidelines for assessing a casualty in different kinds of situations. 

Consider these basic factors with respect to assessment in first aid.

Safety

Assess the situation for your own safety, but do not panic. Being able to assist anyone in an emergency depends upon how safe you are in the situation. Thus, your first assessment in an emergency should be with respect to whether or not it is safe for you to try to act or intervene. It is important to ensure the safety of others as well, so taking immediate control of the situation may prove crucial.  

Assistance

Your initial assessment of an emergency should include an immediate call for help. Call 911, or designate someone else to call for assistance. Alerting others to what is happening is important, as while you may be able to assist another person, it may prove too precarious alone. You may be able to instruct others, so they can assist you. 

Airway, breathing and circulation first aid measures

Once you know that intervention on your part is safe, approach the casualty cautiously. Is he or she conscious? Check the casualty’s airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, start CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and apply pressure if the casualty is hemorrhaging. He or she may be in a state of shock and need a blanket to keep warm. Elevation of the casualty’s head may help his or her breathing. 

Information

Identify the casualty and note pertinent information for medical personnel. Is there contact information with respect to family members? Check the casualty’s current medication and note any medical treatment he or she may be receiving. The information that you obtain is vital with respect to appropriate medical treatment. Does he or she have allergies? Is he or she a diabetic?

Stabilization

Stabilization of vital signs and the general medical status of the casualty is important, so document his or her heart rate, pulse and breathing rate at regular intervals, as well as any changes. Check his or her blood pressure regularly. Ensure that he or she is in a stable condition before attempting to move him or her to a more appropriate location. Use caution and appropriate splinting with respect to moving anyone with head or spinal injuries and other fractures. Record burns, bruises or abrasions.

Evidence

If the cause of the casualty is undetermined, there may be other issues to consider. When there appears to be evidence of criminal activity, like the use of weapons or drug abuse, focus on the status of the casualty first, but note what appears to have happened without removing any of the evidence.

Report

Accurate documentation and reporting your observations and first aid measures you have taken, will help ensure continuity of care when the casualty goes to an emergency facility for further medical treatment.

Remember that upgrading your first aid assessment skills on a regular basis will prove beneficial in any emergency.