Checking a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) is a crucial and fundamental step in emergency medical care. Rescuers assess these three vital signs to determine the patient’s immediate medical needs and provide appropriate treatment
The ABCs are checked in order of priority, with airway taking precedence. An obstructed airway can lead to suffocation and death within minutes, so it is essential to ensure that the patient’s airway is clear and open. Once the airway is secure, the rescuer will check for breathing. If the patient is not breathing, rescue breathing should be started immediately. Finally, the rescuer will check for circulation by feeling for a pulse. If there is no pulse, CPR should be started immediately
