What does the ABCs in the primary survey stand for?

What does the ABCs in the primary survey stand for?

• A. Airflow, Breath, Circulation
• B. Airway, Blood Pressure, Circulation
• C. Breathing, Airway, Circulation
• D. Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Answer: (C)

In emergencies, the primary survey uses the ABCs to guide rapid assessment in a strict order of life-saving priorities. Airway comes first because if the airway isn’t open, the person can’t get air in, no matter what else you do. Once you confirm or establish a patent airway, you move to breathing to ensure the person is ventilating effectively and receiving enough oxygen. After breathing, you assess circulation to make sure blood is reaching vital organs and to identify and control severe bleeding. That sequence—Airway, Breathing, Circulation—is what the acronym represents. Among the options, the one that reflects this exact order lists Airway first, then Breathing, then Circulation. The others use an incorrect term (Airflow instead of Airway), replace Breathing with Blood Pressure, or swap the first two steps, which would delay securing the airway and hinder effective resuscitation.

In emergencies, the primary survey uses the ABCs to guide rapid assessment in a strict order of life-saving priorities. Airway comes first because if the airway isn’t open, the person can’t get air in, no matter what else you do. Once you confirm or establish a patent airway, you move to breathing to ensure the person is ventilating effectively and receiving enough oxygen. After breathing, you assess circulation to make sure blood is reaching vital organs and to identify and control severe bleeding. That sequence—Airway, Breathing, Circulation—is what the acronym represents.

Among the options, the one that reflects this exact order lists Airway first, then Breathing, then Circulation. The others use an incorrect term (Airflow instead of Airway), replace Breathing with Blood Pressure, or swap the first two steps, which would delay securing the airway and hinder effective resuscitation.