ABCDE Meaning: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure

ABCDE is a structured assessment acronym used in emergency care to organise immediate problems by Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure.
First aid often uses shortened forms of longer phrases. This section explains acronyms such as DRSABCD, CPR, AED, AVPU, and SAMPLE. Each entry expands the letters and explains what the term represents in a first aid context.

ABCDE is a structured assessment acronym used in emergency care to organise immediate problems by Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability and Exposure.

DRABC means Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Circulation, an older first aid sequence now usually expanded to DRSABCD in Australia.

Look, Listen, Link is a simple psychological first aid framework for noticing needs, listening supportively and connecting people to help.

PFA means Psychological First Aid, practical and compassionate support for people affected by crisis, disaster or trauma.

ALGEE is the five-action Mental Health First Aid plan used to approach, listen, give support and encourage appropriate help.

MHFA means Mental Health First Aid, training that helps people recognise, respond and support someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.

FBAO means Foreign Body Airway Obstruction, the clinical phrase often used in choking guidance.

HLTAID014 is the Australian unit code for Provide Advanced First Aid.

HLTAID012 is the Australian first aid unit code for education and care settings such as childcare and early learning.

HLTAID011 is the common Australian nationally recognised unit code for Provide First Aid.