The ABCs of First Aid: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

The ABC approach is a simple way to structure a first aid assessment when someone is unwell or injured. It helps a first aider identify immediate life threats and decide what help is needed while emergency services are contacted.

A is for airway

Check whether the person’s airway is open. If they are unresponsive, follow your training and look for obvious causes of blockage. Avoid putting yourself at risk and call 999 when the situation is serious.

B is for breathing

Check for normal breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, treat it as a cardiac arrest, call 999, start CPR and use an AED if one is available. The emergency dispatcher can guide you while help is on the way.

C is for circulation

Look for signs of severe bleeding and act quickly. Apply firm direct pressure with a dressing or clean material, call 999 for life-threatening bleeding and keep monitoring the person until professional help arrives.

Use a structured response at work

A structured first aid assessment is easier to use when people have practised it. Our workplace first aid training courses combine essential knowledge with practical scenarios, CPR and AED awareness.

Request a group booking quote if your team needs practical first aid training.