What does "ABCDE" stand for in trauma assessment?

The acronym "ABCDE" in trauma assessment stands for Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic approach is crucial for assessing and managing trauma patients efficiently and effectively.

Starting with Airway, it involves ensuring that the patient’s airway is clear and unobstructed. In trauma situations, airway compromise can rapidly lead to serious consequences, so this is always the first priority.

Breathing refers to assessing the patient’s ability to breathe adequately. This includes checking for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and ensuring there are no obstructions in the airway that prevent proper ventilation.

Circulation involves checking the patient’s blood flow, which includes assessing pulse, skin color, and temperature, and controlling any major external bleeding. Proper circulation is vital to maintain organ function and prevent shock.

Disability is an assessment of neurological function, which can involve checking the patient's level of consciousness using the AVPU scale (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) and assessing for any deficits, such as limb movement.

Lastly, Exposure pertains to fully exposing the patient to identify any hidden injuries while ensuring to prevent hypothermia. This means removing clothing carefully, especially in the case of traumatic injuries, while protecting the patient’s privacy as much