What do ABCs stand for in casualty assessment?

What do ABCs stand for in casualty assessment?

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

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the priority sequence in casualty assessment: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Securing a clear airway is the most urgent step because an obstructed airway can kill within minutes, so you first ensure the airway is open and unobstructed. Once the airway is safe, you assess and support breathing to ensure the patient is ventilating adequately and getting oxygen. Only after these are addressed do you evaluate circulation to check for bleeding and perfusion, because even with a functioning airway and breaths, significant blood loss or shock can be fatal if not controlled. Other options miss the standard terminology: the first step isn't just “Air” or “Airflow,” and the second step isn’t “Blood”—it’s Breathing, referring to ventilatory function. The combination Airway, Breathing, Circulation is the established order used in casualty care and rescue protocols.

The main idea is the priority sequence in casualty assessment: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Securing a clear airway is the most urgent step because an obstructed airway can kill within minutes, so you first ensure the airway is open and unobstructed. Once the airway is safe, you assess and support breathing to ensure the patient is ventilating adequately and getting oxygen. Only after these are addressed do you evaluate circulation to check for bleeding and perfusion, because even with a functioning airway and breaths, significant blood loss or shock can be fatal if not controlled.

Other options miss the standard terminology: the first step isn't just “Air” or “Airflow,” and the second step isn’t “Blood”—it’s Breathing, referring to ventilatory function. The combination Airway, Breathing, Circulation is the established order used in casualty care and rescue protocols.