• fire and collapsing buildings: move the casualty to
• safety;
• road accidents: instruct someone to control the traffic;
• electrocution: switch off the current; take necessary precautions against electric shock;
• gas and poisonous fumes: turn off at source, remove casualty to fresh air.

As for breathing, check that his airway is clear and that he is breathing; if not, commence artificial respiration. When the casualty is unconscious, place him in the recovery position.

Also check for serious bleeding and control it; raise the part if possible and if no fracture is suspected.

When these urgent matters have received attention, time can be taken to obtain the history of the accident, to weigh up the situation, and to decide in which order action should be taken. Establish the level of consciousness; immobilize all serious fractures and large wounds before moving the casualty, unless there is immediate danger to life from the surroundings; give appropriate treatment to the condition found.

Immediately it is decided that an ambulance is required. Call for it, stating:

• the exact place of the accident (if necessary with directions of how to get there);
• the number, and approximate age of the casualties;
• some indication of the type and seriousness of the accident, e.g. car crash, fall from building, the nature of the injury or injuries.

In all cases of suspected fracture of the spine, or heart attack, obtain medical aid, if readily available, or transport to hospital immediately. In country districts a doctor may be obtained more quickly than an ambulance.

• an appreciation of the situation;
• diagnosis;
• treatment and disposal;
• taking charge until someone more experienced is available.

Where there is more than one casualty (the case of multiple casualties), the First Aider must decide by rapid assessment, which one should receive priority of treatment. Consideration must be given to:

• the immediate placing of any unconscious casualties in the recovery position (previously known as the coma position and, earlier, as the three quarters prone position);
• temporary control of continuous severe bleeding with the assistance of the casualty, or by a bystander, if available;
• restoration of breathing, if necessary.

A First Aider working alone must quickly place all unconscious casualties in the recovery position before attending to any others. It is important to note that the noisiest casualty need not be the most severely injured.

Make use of any bystanders; keep them occupied — the more they are given to do, the less they will interfere. They should be used to telephone for the ambulance, police or any other service, to keep back any crowds which may gather, to assist with the control of traffic at a road accident, and, if necessary, to assist with the actual treatment of the casualty.

When sending bystanders to telephone, make sure that they understand the message to be sent; write it down if possible, but in any case ask them to repeat the message (before actually sending it).