ABCDE

The ABCDE Approach

[Name of Student]

The ABCDE Approach

Introduction

The instantaneous treatment of censoriously ill and/or injured patients utilizes the efficient approach of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE). The efficiency of this approach lies in the fact that this approach can be used without any equipment, anywhere in the street. Experts of emergency medicine have broadly acknowledged this approach for improving health care services. The ABCDE approach tends to provide high quality healthcare and life-saving services by saving precious amount of time. This paper strives to understand the fundamental concept of ABCDE approach by exploring the need of ABCDE by patients and health professionals. Further the paper explains the fundamental principles of ABCDE approach. It can be argued that the ABCDE approach is easily applicable in all types of medical emergencies.

Discussion

The mnemonic ABCDE describes the logical approach of Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE). This logical approach is efficiently applicable for all medical emergencies. The efficiency of this approach lies in the fact that this approach can be used without any equipment, anywhere in the street. The picture illustrates examples of simple ABCDE approaches to be used for treatment of injured patients.

The Concept of ABCDE Approach

ABCDE approach is based upon the following aims:

To provide efficient and effective healthcare services including life-saving treatments

To assist in all clinical emergencies by dividing them into manageable situations

To aid in assessment and treatment processes of injured and ill patients

To define procedures for dealing in common situations

To create awareness for common procedures, of life-saving treatment, among all healthcare service providers

In order to better understand the fundamental concept of ABCDE approach, let us first examine the components of ABCDE, individually. The World Health Organization (2003, PTCM 1- PTCM 11) defines ABCDE as:

A- Airway

The primary stage for providing immediate treatment, to the patient, is to assess the airway of the patient. An airway is usually clear, if the person is able to talk. However, if the person is in unconscious state, the airway may not be maintained. The technique used in opening airway includes lifting the patient's chin or jaw thrust. The airway may need to be cleaned properly, if it is blocked by blood or vomiting. These fluids may be cleaned out with the help of sucking instruments.

B- Breathing

In breathing, the treatment provider must feel for respiratory stress by feeling the general signs, which include: blue lips and tongue, heavy sweating, ...