Which sequence reflects the basic ABCs in emergency nursing?

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

Answer: (A)

Airway, Breathing, Circulation. The airway comes first because a patent airway is essential for any breaths to reach the lungs; without it, oxygen cannot get into the chest even if you are prepared to ventilate. So you first ensure the airway is open and clear, using techniques to prevent or relieve obstruction, suction as needed, and place airway adjuncts or advanced devices if you’re trained. Once the airway is secured, you address breathing—assessing the patient’s ventilation, providing or supporting oxygen delivery, and using ventilation aids like a bag-valve-mask to achieve adequate chest rise and oxygenation. Only after these steps do you turn to circulation—checking for a pulse, controlling bleeding, establishing IV access, and initiating measures to restore or support perfusion, such as fluids or chest compressions when indicated. This order ensures that any oxygen you deliver actually reaches the lungs and tissues, and that perfusion is restored promptly to sustain life. Note that in some cardiac-arrest scenarios protocols may emphasize circulation first, but the classic ABC approach underpins most emergency nursing practice.