The first aid ABCs refer to which components?

• A. Airway, breathing, and circulation
• B. Arms, back, and chest
• C. Alcohol, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• D. Alerts, breathing, and consciousness

Answer: (A)

In first aid, the ABCs describe the priority steps for helping someone in life-threatening distress: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. First, ensure the airway is open and clear so air can reach the lungs. If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping, provide rescue breaths or start CPR as needed. Next, assess and support breathing to keep oxygen reaching the lungs and tissues. Finally, look at circulation—check for a pulse and control severe bleeding or begin chest compressions if the person isn’t circulating blood effectively. The other options miss this urgent sequence or refer to things not related to immediate rescue actions: they either describe body parts, health metrics, or an unfocused mix of terms that don’t guide the life-saving steps.