Scenario 1: Gurgling trauma patient
An unresponsive trauma patient has gurgling respirations and blood visible in the mouth. A carotid pulse is present.
Before the cases
Use the same thinking pattern every time
1) Identify the immediate threat. 2) Provide the appropriate intervention within training and protocol. 3) Reassess the airway, breathing, circulation, mental status, and response. 4) Continue the full assessment and make the transport/resource decision.
These scenarios use terms already introduced in the ABC assessment and skills pages. They are designed for guided application—not diagnosis or independent treatment authorization.
Scenario set
Choose the best immediate priority
Scenario 2: Tiring respiratory patient
A patient with severe respiratory distress is now drowsy. Respirations are shallow, chest rise is poor, and wheezing is barely audible.
Scenario 3: Hidden shock
After a fall, a patient is restless, pale, cool, and clammy with a rapid weak pulse. The initial blood pressure is still 112/72.
Scenario 4: Sudden collapse
An adult collapses, is unresponsive, is only gasping, and has no pulse.
Scenario 5: Allergic reaction
A patient has facial swelling, hoarse speech, wheezing, hives, and a weak rapid pulse after eating.
Scenario 6: Pulse present, breathing absent
An unresponsive patient has a definite pulse but is not breathing normally.
Handoff builder
Create a concise ABC snapshot
Select the findings and the page will build a sample primary-assessment statement. This helps learners avoid vague phrases such as “ABCs okay.”
Continue practicing
Move from guided cases to simulators
Medical scenario simulator
Practice assessment decisions and patient handoff in a broader medical scenario.
Open simulatorFull vital signs set
Document objective findings after the immediate threats are addressed.
Open full vitalsCPR Learning Center
Practice the separate C-A-B cardiac-arrest pathway and AED sequence.
Open CPR center