What to Do If You See Someone Badly Hurt: 5 Simple Steps Anyone Can Follow

Byadmin

Seeing someone badly hurt can be scary. You may feel frozen or unsure what to do. The good news is this: you don’t need to be a doctor to help.

Simple actions in the first few minutes can save a life.

Here are 5 easy steps that anyone in Singapore can follow during an emergency or trauma situation. Just remember DRS AB.

Step 1: Danger – Check for danger first

Before you help, look around. Ask yourself:

  • Is there traffic? Get someone to direct traffic away.
  • Is there fire, smoke, or falling objects? Assist to move the victim from danger only if you can stay safe yourself.

👉 If it is not safe, do not rush in. Move to a safe spot and call for help.

danger sign

Step 2: Response – Check for response

Check for response by gently tapping on the victim’s shoulder and loudly asking “Hello! Can you hear me?”.

Movement, talking and opening of eyes are generally good signs.

👉 If there is no response, this is an emergency and it is important to quickly proceed to the next steps.

checking for response

Step 3: Send for help – Call 995 and get an AED

If there are others around to help, ask someone to call 995 for the ambulance and someone else to bring an AED if available.

👉 If you are alone, quickly call for an ambulance first, then assist the victim with the following steps. Do not abandon the victim just to get an AED.

A worried woman in a white shirt making a distressing phone call for help.

Step 4: Airway – Check airway and breathing

Quickly look for chest rise and listen for breathing.

👉 If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, start CPR immediately.

If you see something obvious blocking the mouth, remove it gently. Do not blindly sweep the mouth. Do not move the neck.

checking for breathing

Step 5: Bleeding – Stop bleeding quickly

Bleeding can be very dangerous and your priority should be to stop any major bleeding.

👉 If you see bleeding, use your hand or cloth to press hard and directly on the wound. DO NOT REMOVE objects stuck in the body (eg. knives, debris).

If bleeding is heavy, it is important to stop the bleeding even before addressing the airway.

manual compression of wound

A calm reminder

In emergencies, try your best to stay calm, call for help early, and do the above simple things well. Your actions can buy valuable time until professionals arrive.

If you would like to learn more:

*For general education only. Angsana Medical is not responsible or liable for actions taken based on this information. This does not replace formal first aid training or emergency medical care.