AVPU is a quick way to describe how responsive a person is. In plain English, it means checking whether the person is alert, responds to voice, responds to pain, or is unresponsive.
What does AVPU stand for?
AVPU stands for:
- Alert
- responds to Voice
- responds to Pain
- Unresponsive
It is a simple first aid shorthand for the response part of an early emergency check.
Where does AVPU fit in first aid?
AVPU is commonly used during a Primary Survey and fits naturally inside the response step of DRSABCD.
It gives first aiders a quick way to describe what they see before moving on to the next priorities such as airway, breathing, and whether urgent resuscitation may be needed.
What does each part of AVPU mean?
Alert
An alert person is awake enough to respond normally. They may answer questions, follow instructions, or react appropriately to what is happening.
Voice
A person who responds to voice is not fully alert, but they do react when you speak to them. They may open their eyes, speak, or move only after you call their name or speak loudly.
Pain
A person who responds to pain does not respond to voice, but they do react to a painful stimulus.
In general first aid, the main point is not to hurt the person. The important point is that they are not responding normally and need urgent attention.
Unresponsive
An Unresponsive person does not respond in a meaningful way to voice or pain.
This is a medical emergency. You need to check breathing quickly and follow the next first aid priorities.
What should you do after AVPU?
AVPU does not replace the rest of the emergency response. It helps you describe the person’s level of responsiveness so you can move on to the next important steps.
If the person is unresponsive:
- if they are not breathing normally, start CPR
- if they are breathing normally, place them in the Recovery Position and keep monitoring them
That means AVPU connects directly to the broader Basic Life Support pathway.
Is AVPU the same as the Glasgow Coma Scale?
No. AVPU and the Glasgow Coma Scale are related, but they are not the same.
AVPU is a quick everyday first aid shorthand. The Glasgow Coma Scale is more detailed and is commonly used by healthcare professionals and emergency services.
Quick answer
AVPU is a quick way to describe responsiveness: alert, voice, pain, or unresponsive. On this site it fits inside the response step of DRSABCD and the broader Primary Survey, then leads into either CPR or Recovery Position depending on breathing.
Sources reviewed
- Healthdirect: first aid basics and DRSABCD
- ANZCOR Guideline 3: Recognition and first aid management of the unconscious person
- ANZCOR Guideline 5: Breathing
Reviewed against Australian first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
