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St Andrew's - First Aid



Mnemonics

The following is a list of the most commonly used mnemonics and their meanings:

The aims of first aid are:

  • To Preserve life
  • To Prevent deterioration of the casualty's condition
  • To Promote recovery


This is know as the three P's

AMEGA is used to deal with an emergency.

  • Assess the situation
  • Make the area safe
  • Emergency Aid
  • Get help
  • Aftermath

DRABC is used in casualty management

  • Danger
  • Response
  • Airway
  • Breathing
  • Circulation

AVPU is used to judge a casualties level of response

  • Alert
  • Voice
  • Pain
  • Unconscious

PCFATS is used to remind us about the signs and symptoms of circulatory shock

  • Pale
  • Cold and Clammy skin
  • Fast pulse
  • Anxious
  • Thirsty
  • Sick

RICE is used when dealing with soft tissue injuries>

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

AMPLE is used to remind us of the questions to ask casualties

  • Allergies
  • Medication
  • Past history
  • Last meal
  • Environment

LITE is used when about to carry out any moving and handling procedure

  • Load
  • Individual
  • Task
  • Environment

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For additional information please contract: enquiries@stanleycompany.org.uk
St. Andrew’s Ambulance Association (St. Andrew’s First Aid) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SC006750