In the primary survey, what does the acronym ABC stand for in first aid?

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

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the primary survey prioritizes life-threatening problems in a step-by-step order: Airway, Breathing, then Circulation. Securing the airway first is crucial because if the airway is blocked or not open, oxygen cannot reach the lungs no matter how well the person is breathing. So you check for a clear airway and open it as needed, using the appropriate technique (for example, a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust if spinal injury is a concern) and remove any visible obstruction you can reach.

Next, you assess breathing. If the person isn’t breathing or is breathing inadequately, you must provide ventilation support to ensure oxygen gets into the lungs. Only after you’ve addressed airway and breathing do you evaluate circulation, looking for signs of adequate blood flow and controlling any major bleeding. If there’s no pulse or the person is unresponsive, you start life support immediately. If there is a pulse and breathing is adequate, you continue monitoring and manage shock or other circulation-related issues as needed.

So the correct sequence is Airway, Breathing, Circulation.