As a health and medical professional with a background in emergency medicine, I'm often asked about various acronyms and their meanings within the field. The acronym "CAB" in health typically refers to the initial steps of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which stands for "Chest Compressions, Airway, and Breathing." This sequence is crucial for providing life-saving assistance to someone experiencing cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
The traditional approach to CPR has been to follow the A-B-C sequence: first, ensuring the airway is clear (Airway), then checking for breathing (Breathing), and finally, if no normal breathing is detected, proceeding to chest compressions (Compressions). However, there has been a significant shift in the recommended approach to CPR, particularly for lay rescuers and even some professional rescuers, as mentioned in the reference you provided.
The American Heart Association, in their 2010 guidelines, recommended a change in the order of CPR steps. They suggested that chest compressions should be initiated first, followed by ensuring a clear airway and assisting with breathing. This change to C-A-B was based on evidence that initiating CPR with chest compressions can improve survival rates for victims of sudden cardiac arrest, especially when performed promptly.
The rationale behind starting with chest compressions is twofold. Firstly, it helps to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs during the critical moments before professional medical help arrives. Secondly, it reflects the realities of lay rescuers' situations, where the fear of performing mouth-to-mouth breathing can be a barrier to initiating CPR at all. By emphasizing compressions first, the focus is on the most critical and least intimidating component of CPR for bystanders to perform.
It's important to note that while the initial steps have been rearranged to C-A-B for lay rescuers, the overall goal of CPR remains the same: to restore effective blood circulation and breathing in a person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. The steps are as follows:

1. Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim's chest, with the other hand on top, and press down hard and fast, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

2. Airway: After compressions, tilt the victim's head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway, checking for any obstructions.

3. Breathing: Pinch the victim's nose shut, take a deep breath, and give two rescue breaths, watching for the chest to rise.

In summary, while the traditional A-B-C approach to CPR is still taught and used in certain contexts, the C-A-B sequence has been recommended for lay rescuers to improve the chances of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. This change underscores the importance of prompt and effective bystander intervention in emergency situations.

read more >>

Recommending that chest compressions be the first step for lay and professional rescuers to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest, the association said the A-B-Cs (Airway-Breathing-Compressions) of CPR should now be changed to C-A-B (Compressions-Airway-Breathing).Oct 18, 2010read more >>