Page 20 - EMS CPR Manual V1

RESPONSE
The response step is purely observing the level of consciousness of the casualty. If the casualty were conscious you would stop at this point and discuss the situation with the casualty prior to then calling for help if needed.
The COWS Principle
Where the casualty is not obviously responsive, determine the level of consciousness by asking the questions as per the COWS acronym listed below.
1. Ask the casualty, “Can you hear me?”
2. Issue a verbal command asking them to “open your eyes”.
3. Ask the casualty “what’s your name?”
4. Ask the casualty to squeeze your hands.
Depending on the response to the questions above you will be able to determine the conscious state of the casualty, which we will clarify as either fully conscious, semi conscious or unconscious.
Remember to treat all unconscious casualty’s as though they have spinal injuries by minimizing any movement. Remove the danger from the casualty whenever possible and only move the casualty if there is an imminent danger that cannot be controlled.
Whilst it is important to minimise movement in a casualty with a
suspected spinal injury this does not take precedence over airway
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EMERGENCY RESPONSE