ABCs
Medical abbreviation · Emergency Medicine
| Stands for | Airway, breathing, circulation |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ABCs stands for Airway, breathing, circulation, an emergency medicine abbreviation.
Classic priority sequence for assessing and treating seriously ill or injured patients: secure the airway, ensure breathing, then support circulation. It is taught in first aid, nursing and medical training.
Example: Unresponsive in triage: ABCs compromised, moved to resuscitation bay.
Usage notes
Expanded versions include ABCDE (adding disability and exposure) and XABCDE (exsanguinating hemorrhage first). In CPR for adults the order became CAB in 2010. NCLEX questions use the ABCs to prioritize nursing actions.
Related abbreviations
More emergency medicine abbreviations
- ABCDE – Airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
- ACEP – American College of Emergency Physicians
- ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- AD – Advance directive
- ALS – Advanced life support
- AMA – Against medical advice
- AMLS – Advanced Medical Life Support
- AND – Allow natural death
- ATLS – Advanced Trauma Life Support
- BIBA – Brought in by ambulance
- BIBEMS – Brought in by emergency medical services
- BLS – Basic life support
See all 97 emergency medicine abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.