In Advanced Life Support, what does the acronym 'ABC' stand for?

In Advanced Life Support, the acronym 'ABC' stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This framework is fundamental in emergency care as it represents a systematic approach to identifying and treating life-threatening conditions.

Initiating with Airway, it is crucial to ensure that the airway is clear and that the patient can breathe adequately. Any obstruction must be resolved to facilitate effective ventilation.

Next is Breathing, where the focus is on confirming that there is adequate respiratory effort and that oxygenation is occurring. If the patient is not breathing adequately, immediate interventions like rescue breaths or mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Finally, Circulation involves assessing the patient's heart function and blood flow. This includes checking for a pulse, and if absent, initiating chest compressions and advanced interventions to restore circulation.

This sequence prioritizes the most critical physiological processes necessary for sustaining life, making it essential knowledge for any healthcare provider involved in emergency response. Understanding this order ensures that responders can promptly address and rectify the most immediate threats to survival.