In field casualty care, what is the proper sequence for assessing airway, breathing, and circulation?

• A. Check pulse first; ignore airway.
• B. Check the environment first.
• C. Check responsiveness; open airway if necessary; assess breathing rate and quality; check pulse and ensure circulation.
• D. Check blood pressure; check respiration after.

Answer: (C)

Focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation in that order addresses the most immediate life threats first. Start by quickly checking responsiveness to see if the casualty can react and to guide whether you need to call for help right away. If there’s any sign the airway is blocked or the person isn’t breathing normally, open the airway and clear obstructions to restore a clear path for air. Next, assess breathing rate and quality to determine if enough oxygen is moving in and out of the lungs and being delivered to the blood. Only after confirming the airway and breathing are being supported do you check circulation by feeling for a pulse and judging perfusion. If no pulse or poor perfusion is found, you begin circulatory support immediately. This sequence ensures oxygen delivery to vital organs is restored as quickly as possible, which is why it’s the best approach.