What does ABC Stand for in First Aid? – A Complete Guide

The ABCs of first aid are crucial things that need to be performed instantly when approaching a victim. But what does ABC Stand for in First Aid? In first aid, ABC stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This means ensuring that the airway is clear, checking to see if the patient is breathing and observing the circulation (pulse or observation of colour and temperature of hands or fingers).

There are crucial things to consider while providing first aid in an emergency situation. Obviously, you must have the proper knowledge to apply this first-aid technique to a victim. Otherwise, you will worsen the victim’s physical state. This is the purpose of our article.

In this write-up, we will thoroughly acquaint you with the ABC of first aid, its importance and its exact application on a victim with some graphical presentation.

Besides, our other blog gives you a comprehensive idea of why first aid is important.

Let’s get started.

What does ABC Stand for in First Aid Treatment?

First aid ABC consists of three different components. Let’s explore what ABC stands for in first aid in more detail.

• A stands for Airway
• B stands for Breathing
• C stands for Circulation/Compression

Let’s begin with the application of ABC in first aid treatment.

Airway

A blocked airway can impair a person’s ability to breathe. You can assist in opening someone’s airway by doing the following:

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• Place one hand on the person’s forehead,
• Gently tilt their head back,
• While tilting their head, gently and carefully elevate their chin with two fingers from your other hand,
• If they are unresponsive, you must begin the breathing technique as soon as possible.

Check out our other blog if you want to learn the procedure of getting a first aid and CPR certificate.

Breathing

Breathing provides oxygen to the body, which allows it to function. That is why it is essential to assess whether or not someone is breathing.

Follow these methods to assess if a person is breathing normally:

• Place your ear right over the person’s mouth while looking down at their body.
• Notice the following signs of breathing:
  • the sound of their breathing
  • the warmth of their breath on your cheek 
  • the movement of their chest going up and down
• Continue for no more than 10 seconds.

If they are unresponsive and not breathing, contact 999/112 for emergency assistance and begin CPR immediately. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), you must perform rescue breathing and chest compressions. We will thoroughly discuss how to perform CPR later. In the meantime, ask for help from someone to bring a defibrillator (AED/ automated external defibrillator).

Circulation/Compression

While breathing provides oxygen to the blood, the heartbeat transports this oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, organs and tissues can begin to die if they do not receive enough oxygen. 

Performing chest compression helps restore blood circulation to the heart, brain, and other organs. CPR begins with 30 compressions of the chest, followed by two rescue breaths. 

Hands-only CPR Demonstration

Follow the hands-only CPR if you are not a medical professional or do not have any first aid training. To carry out a chest compression:

• Kneel beside the victim and place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest. Then, place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
• Lean over the victim with your arms straight. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press down hard for around 5-6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches) before releasing the pressure and allowing the chest to rise again.
• Repeat at a pace of 100 to 120 compressions per minute until an ambulance comes or for as long as you can.

CPR with Rescue Breaths

• First, place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person’s chest, then put the palm of the other hand on top and push down 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a constant rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Provide two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compression.
• Gently tilt the person’s head and elevate the chin with two fingers. Pinch the casualty’s nose. Then, seal your mouth over theirs and blow into their mouth steadily and firmly for around 1 second. Make sure their chest lifts. Give two rescue breaths.
• Continue with 30 chest compressions and two rescue breath cycles until they begin to recover or emergency assistance comes.

If the helper returns with a defibrillator, instruct them to turn it on and follow the voice prompts while you continue CPR. In the meantime, place the casualty in the recovery position if they show symptoms of becoming responsive, such as —

• coughing 
• opening their eyes
• speaking
• and breathing regularly

Keep an eye on their level of response and be prepared to perform CPR again if required.  

When an electric shock through the defibrillator stops a cardiac arrest and hopefully lets the heart restart, you can proceed to check if the victim has severe blood loss and spinal injury and call for an emergency immediately.

The Updated Guidelines

The American Heart Association revised its first aid recommendations in 2010, and as part of this, the ABCs are now performed in the following order: CAB.

There are several explanations for this change:

• Addressing circulation initially by chest compressions ensures vital blood flow to organs such as the brain and heart.
• Chest compressions can be done immediately. However, examining the airway and administering adequate rescue breaths can be time-consuming.

According to studies, as compared to ABC, the CAB strategy was more effective in delivering timely intervention.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, after going through the entire write-up, you have a pretty good idea of the topic, “What does ABC Stand for in First Aid?” Your skill in applying ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) can save a casualty’s life from life-threatening events.