The four lifesaving steps is an aid-memoire for remembering the aims and priorities in first aid. Originally developed by the US Army for battlefield / combat first aid, these steps sum up the main goals of a first aider.

You can sum up the four lifesaving steps of first aid with the following saying…

“Stop the Bleeding, Start the Breathing, Protect the Wound and Treat for Shock“

The Four Lifesaving Steps

1. Stop the Bleeding – control any catastrophic bleeding

2. Start the Breathing – open the casualty’s airway (using a head tilt / chin lift or jaw thrust), place them in the recovery position if they are breathing or commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation

3. Protect the Wound – apply a bandage / field dressing to cover wounds

4. Treat for Shock – severe blood loss causes ‘shock’, a medical condition caused by reduced blood volume. Treat for shock by lying the casualty down, raising their legs and keeping them warm