What sequence describes the standard primary survey?

What sequence describes the standard primary survey?

• A. Breathing, Airway, Circulation
• B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation
• C. Airway, Circulation, Breathing
• D. Circulation, Airway, Breathing

Answer: (B)

Securing the airway first is the priority in any emergency assessment because a blocked or compromised airway can quickly lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration, even if the patient is breathing or has a pulse. Once the airway is clear and protected, the next step is to check breathing to ensure the patient is ventilating adequately and receiving enough oxygen; this may involve giving oxygen or assisting ventilation as needed. Only after airway and breathing are stabilized do you assess circulation to detect and control life-threatening bleeding and to evaluate perfusion to vital organs. This Airway–Breathing–Circulation sequence ensures you address the most immediate threats to life in the right order, which is why it is the standard approach for the primary survey.

Securing the airway first is the priority in any emergency assessment because a blocked or compromised airway can quickly lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration, even if the patient is breathing or has a pulse. Once the airway is clear and protected, the next step is to check breathing to ensure the patient is ventilating adequately and receiving enough oxygen; this may involve giving oxygen or assisting ventilation as needed. Only after airway and breathing are stabilized do you assess circulation to detect and control life-threatening bleeding and to evaluate perfusion to vital organs. This Airway–Breathing–Circulation sequence ensures you address the most immediate threats to life in the right order, which is why it is the standard approach for the primary survey.