DR CAB Protocol: A Life-Saving Casualty Assessment & Treatment Guide
The DR CAB protocol is a structured approach to casualty assessment and emergency medical treatment, ensuring critical injuries and life-threatening conditions are identified and managed efficiently. It is widely used in emergency first aid, tactical medicine, and high-risk environments, particularly by law enforcement, security teams, and first responders.
What Does DR CAB Stand For?
D – Danger
Before providing medical assistance, assess the scene for potential threats to yourself, the casualty, and others.
Check for hazards – live fire, collapsing structures, hazardous materials
Make the area safe – or move the casualty to a secure location
Personal safety first – you cannot help if you become a casualty
R – Response
Determine if the casualty is conscious and responsive.
Use the ACVPU scale – Alert, Confused, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive
Gently shake or speak to the casualty
If anything other than alert, their airway is at risk.
C – Catastrophic Bleeding
Severe bleeding is the leading preventable cause of death in trauma.
Identify massive haemorrhage – arterial bleeding, pooling blood
Apply a tourniquet – if a limb is affected
Use wound packing & haemostatic dressings – for junctional wounds (groin, armpits, neck)
A – Airway
Ensure the casualty’s airway is open and clear.
Look for obstructions – blood, vomit, foreign objects
Use the head-tilt/chin-lift or postural drainage
B – Breathing
Check for normal breathing patterns and chest injuries.
Expose the chest – look, listen, and feel for breathing
Treat chest wounds – use a chest seal for sucking chest wounds
Assist breathing – if ineffective, prepare for further intervention
Why Use DR CAB?
The DR CAB approach prioritises life-threatening conditions, ensuring rapid intervention in high-pressure situations.
✔ Effective in high-risk environments – used in combat zones, remote locations, and tactical operations
✔ Easy to remember & apply – ensuring consistent casualty care
✔ Proven to save lives – focuses on immediate threats to survival
Learn More & Get Trained
Lazarus Training offers specialist first aid courses covering DR CAB, trauma care, and emergency medical response. Contact us today for training solutions designed for high-risk environments.
Email: info@lazarustraining.co.uk
Call: 0800 242 5210
Be prepared. Save lives. Take action.