Within ATLS, what do the letters A through E stand for during the primary survey?

• A. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure.
• B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Examination.
• C. Allergy, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure.
• D. Airway, Breathing, Cardiovascular, Disability, Exposure.

Answer: (A)

In ATLS, the primary survey is done in a strict order to catch life-threatening problems as early as possible. The letters A through E correspond to Airway (with cervical spine protection), Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This sequence focuses first on keeping the airway open, then ensuring adequate breathing, then checking circulation and stopping bleeding, followed by a rapid neurologic assessment, and finally exposing the patient to inspect for injuries while taking steps to prevent hypothermia.

The option that matches this sequence uses Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure. The other choices alter one or more terms—such as Allergy instead of Airway, Examination instead of Exposure, or Cardiovascular instead of Circulation—which are not the standard ATLS terms for the primary survey.