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What Does CAB Stand For in CPR? Understanding the Basic Life Saving Steps

Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a critical life saving skill during a cardiac emergency. One of the core components taught in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training involves following the “CAB” method – but what does CAB actually stand for?

In this article, I will explain the meaning behind the CAB acronym, the rationale and importance of each step, demonstrate with clear examples, and address some common questions people have when learning CPR. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of this fundamental resuscitation process. Let’s get started!

What is the CAB Method in CPR?

CAB is an easy-to-remember mnemonic that stands for the 3 key things rescuers should do during a cardiac emergency, in this precise order:

C – Check for responsiveness

The first step is to check if the person is conscious and breathing normally. Gently shake their shoulders and ask loudly, “Are you OK?”. Look to see if their chest is rising and falling in a regular pattern. This allows you to assess if CPR even needs to be started.

A – Airway

If the person is unresponsive, the next step is to open their airway by tilting their head back and gently lifting their chin. This positioning helps keep the airway open to maximize breathing efforts.

B – Breathing

With the airway open, you’ll then look, listen, and feel for any signs of normal breathing. Ideally you should feel breath against your cheek in less than 10 seconds. If you cannot detect breathing or only gasping breaths, you’ll need to provide ventilations.

By following the simple CAB sequence step-by-step during an emergency, you can methodically assess the person and determine if CPR is required. Moving directly from one step to the next without delay helps resuscitate the individual in a timely and organized fashion. Let’s dive deeper into each component.

Check (C) – Assess for unresponsiveness

During a medical emergency, it’s crucial to determine as quickly as possible if the person needs CPR. The first step is to check for responsiveness by gently shaking their shoulders and asking loudly “Are you okay?” in their ear.

You’re looking for any purposeful movement like groaning, eye opening, or hand movements in response. Lack of response after about 5 to 10 seconds would prompt moving on to the airway step. It’s important not to confuse this check phase with giving unnecessary ventilation if they are still breathing sufficiently on their own.

Proper assessment upfront prevents unnecessary chest compressions that could potentially harm someone with a non-cardiac medical issue like seizures, low blood sugar, or drug overdose. Always get consent before touching someone if possible too for medicolegal reasons.

Airway (A) – Open and inspect airway

Once unresponsiveness is confirmed, the airway needs to be opened using the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver. With one hand on their forehead, place your other hand under their chin and gently tilt the head back. Lift the chin up simultaneously to avoid blocking the airway.

This simple position helps keep the tongue from obstructing the airway which is often the cause of respiratory failure following a cardiac arrest. Make sure to keep the head and neck aligned in a neutral inline position to avoid injury during positioning.

With the airway open, you can visually scan the airway for any obstructions like excessive secretions, foreign bodies or dentures that could interfere with ventilation attempts. Remove any visible obstructions quickly with your finger to clear the passageway.

Proper airway positioning and inspection is vital before ventilating, as you do not want to inadvertently push a blocked object further down with rescue breaths. Taking a few seconds to open the passage sets the stage for effective rescue breaths or chest compressions.

Breathing (B) – Check, don’t forget to actually look and feel!

According to resuscitation guidelines, after assessing for unresponsiveness and opening the airway, the next vital step is to check for signs of normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Contrary to popular belief, don’t just look – you must LOOK, LISTEN AND FEEL for breathing efforts.

Tilt your head to eye level with theirs and observe for any chest movements. Listen closely right next to their mouth for breath sounds. Finally, place your cheek above their mouth and feel for exhaled breath against your skin.

If after 10 seconds you detect no breathing, only gasps, or breathing rate is less than 5-10 breaths per minute – then CPR is required starting with chest compressions. A common mistake is skipping this critical breathing check due to panic or assuming the lack of responsiveness means they aren’t breathing. Always take a full 10 seconds to thoroughly evaluate.

FAQs about CAB in CPR

Do I give 2 breaths first before compressions?

No, current BLS guidelines recommend starting CPR with uninterrupted chest compressions. You will not provide breaths until after performing a cycle of 30 compressions. The focus is on high-quality compressions of adequate rate and depth to circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and heart.

Also Read: What is Recommended to Minimize Interruptions in Compressions When Using Aed

How often should I recheck breathing during CPR?

You should pause chest compressions and recheck for signs of breathing and a pulse about every 2 minutes. This allows reassessment of the patient’s condition and signs of return of spontaneous circulation. If the individual starts breathing or has a pulse, stop CPR until they deteriorate again.

When should I call for emergency help?

As soon as you identify that an individual needs CPR, someone should immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS) by dialing 911. Provide dispatch with details of the person’s condition, location and surroundings. While performing CPR, continue interacting with the dispatcher and follow any instructions until EMS providers arrive on scene. Early activation results in faster definitive care.

What if I’m alone – can I still perform CPR?

Yes, you can still attempt CPR even if you are the only responder present. The importance of high-quality and uninterrupted chest compressions outweighs any challenges from being solitary. Focus on performing continuous chest compressions of adequate rate/depth until EMS arrives. If possible, have someone immediately call 911 while you start resuscitation efforts.

Final Thoughts on Following the CAB Approach

To summarize, the CAB method provides a simple, logical sequence for assessing and managing an unresponsive casualty during a medical emergency. By following Check-Airway-Breathing step-by-step, rescuers can efficiently determine if CPR is required and effectively open the airway to facilitate rescue breathing efforts or chest compressions.

Remember, effective CPR means performing high-quality chest compressions of adequate rate, depth and allowing full recoil between compressions. Minimizing interruptions optimizes the circulation of oxygenated blood flow until advanced care arrives. With practice, the CAB approach will become second nature during life saving scenarios. I hope this explanation helps provide clarity on what CAB stands for and the reasoning behind each component. Staying prepared through CPR training from Heart Start CPR will empower you to step up and save a life in case of emergency.

Author

LT. Jeff Haughy

Owner Jeff Haughy has been providing high-quality care in the EMS industry since 1995 and started his Fire Service career with the Alameda Fire Department in 1991 as a Fire Explorer.

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