What does the "A" in the ABCs of patient assessment stand for?

The "A" in the ABCs of patient assessment stands for Airway. In emergency medicine and primary care, the ABC acronym is a critical framework utilized for assessing and prioritizing patient care. The first step, Airway, focuses on ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and unobstructed. This is essential because a compromised airway can lead to inadequate breathing and life-threatening conditions.

In this context, after confirming that the airway is clear, paramedics can then move on to the next elements of the ABCs: Breathing and Circulation, which further help in evaluating the patient's overall condition and guiding treatment decisions. Ensuring the airway is managed properly is foundational to effective patient care in emergency situations.