Airway
A patent airway is open enough for air to pass. Look for obstruction, swelling, secretions, blood, vomit, the tongue, trauma, or inability to protect the airway.
Learn airway cluesStart here
Ask three rapid questions
The ABC approach helps organize the primary assessment. It does not replace scene safety, a general impression, responsiveness, full vital signs, history, local protocol, or repeated reassessment.
A — Patent?Can air move through the airway?
B — Adequate?Is ventilation supporting the patient?
C — Perfusing?Is blood reaching the tissues?
ReassessDid the intervention improve the patient?
Choose your path
Where should you begin?
Choose a learning goal
The center will direct you to the best page and connect you to the matching EMSCodeSim tools.
The three systems
Understand each letter before combining them
Breathing
Breathing assessment asks whether ventilation is adequate—not merely whether the patient is moving some air. Rate, depth, effort, chest rise, sounds, speech, and fatigue all matter.
Learn breathing cluesCirculation
Circulation includes pulse, skin, mental status, blood pressure, capillary refill, major bleeding, and the overall evidence of tissue perfusion.
Learn circulation cluesImportant distinction
ABC primary assessment is not the same as C-A-B cardiac arrest care
For a patient with signs of life, EMS assessment commonly organizes immediate threats as airway, breathing, and circulation. Once cardiac arrest is recognized, current AHA BLS care emphasizes chest compressions first—C-A-B—plus rapid AED use.
Patient has signs of life
Identify and manage airway, breathing, and circulation threats while continuing the primary assessment.
Practice ABC assessmentCardiac arrest recognized
Activate the response system, begin high-quality compressions, use the AED, and provide airway/ventilation care according to current training.
Open CPR centerConnected learning
Use the right simulator for each ABC clue
These tools let learners practice separate findings before combining them in the integrated scenario page.
Breathing tools
Respiratory rate, breath sounds, pulse oximetry, and capnography.
Circulation tools
Pulse, skin signs, blood pressure, and full vital-sign documentation.
Integrated practice
Bring findings together in full vitals and medical patient scenarios.
Official references
Continue with current national guidance
National EMS Education Standards
Primary assessment, airway, oxygenation, ventilation, shock, and bleeding concepts
OpenPrimary assessment, airway, oxygenation, ventilation, shock, and bleeding concepts
2025 AHA CPR & ECC Guidelines
Current cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking, and resuscitation science
OpenCurrent cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, choking, and resuscitation science
Upper-Airway Blockage
Common obstruction signs and emergency context
OpenCommon obstruction signs and emergency context
Training reminder: This center teaches recognition and priorities. Hands-on airway maneuvers, suction, adjuncts, BVM use, oxygen delivery, bleeding control, and resuscitation must be learned and evaluated through approved instruction.