What does the letter 'C' in ABC stand for in first aid?

What does the letter 'C' in ABC stand for in first aid?

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

Answer: (A)

Circulation is what the C represents in the ABC approach. It focuses on keeping blood moving through the body so vital organs—like the brain and heart—continue to receive oxygen. After you’ve addressed the airway and ensured the person can breathe, the next priority is circulation: check for signs of life, control serious bleeding, and, if the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, start chest compressions to circulate blood. This is why Circulation is the correct focus for C. The other two parts, airway and breathing, come first to make sure air can reach the lungs and oxygen can enter the bloodstream, but without circulation, that oxygen can’t be effectively delivered to tissues.

Circulation is what the C represents in the ABC approach. It focuses on keeping blood moving through the body so vital organs—like the brain and heart—continue to receive oxygen. After you’ve addressed the airway and ensured the person can breathe, the next priority is circulation: check for signs of life, control serious bleeding, and, if the person isn’t breathing or has no pulse, start chest compressions to circulate blood. This is why Circulation is the correct focus for C. The other two parts, airway and breathing, come first to make sure air can reach the lungs and oxygen can enter the bloodstream, but without circulation, that oxygen can’t be effectively delivered to tissues.