When emergency responders shout "CAB" during a CPR sequence, they are referencing a specific order of actions designed to optimize survival after cardiac arrest. Understanding what CAB stands for in CPR helps clarify how chest compressions, airway management, and breathing are prioritized in real-world resuscitation.
Below is a detailed reference that defines CAB, contrasts it with older approaches, and explains how each step supports better outcomes.
| Component | Action | Purpose | Timing in CPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Chest compressions | Maintain blood flow to brain and heart | Immediately, minimal interruptions |
| A | Airway opening | Clear upper airway for effective ventilation | After compressions, before breaths |
| B | Rescue breathing | Provide oxygen to lungs and bloodstream | After airway is opened |
CAB Sequence In Modern CPR Guidelines
Current guidelines universally recommend the CAB sequence for adults, adolescents, and children in most out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrests. This shift from the older ABC order emphasizes early circulation through chest compressions.
Why CAB Prioritizes Compressions First
By starting with chest compressions, CAB ensures that oxygenated blood continues to perfuse vital organs, particularly the brain, during the first critical minutes. This change reduces delays and improves neurologically intact survival rates compared with approaches that begin with rescue breaths.
How Airway Management Fits Into CAB
The "A" step involves opening the airway using head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuvers, depending on suspected spinal injury. A clear airway allows effective rescue breaths once compressions and initial assessment are underway.
The Role Of Rescue Breathing In CAB
After compressions and airway opening, rescue breaths provide additional oxygen. In witnessed cardiac arrest with an available AED, combining compressions with ventilations supports oxygenation while circulation is restored.
Adapting CAB For Different Victims
For infants and children, the sequence often remains CAB for single rescuers, reflecting the importance of both circulation and oxygenation. Lay rescuers and healthcare providers are trained to follow the same CAB pattern to minimize confusion during high-stress events.
Key Takeaways For Proper CAB Execution
- Start with chest compressions to restore circulation quickly.
- Open the airway using head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust as appropriate.
- Provide rescue breaths after compressions and airway clearance.
- Minimize interruptions to compressions to maximize blood flow.
- Use an AED as soon as it is available, following its voice prompts.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does CAB change when an AED arrives on scene?
No, CAB remains the clinical sequence; however, AED prompts may ask you to pause compressions briefly for analysis and shock delivery before continuing CPR.
What if I mistakenly used ABC instead of CAB during training?
Update your approach to CAB so that chest compressions begin immediately, reducing time without blood flow and aligning with current evidence-based guidelines.
Is CAB used for all age groups in the same way?
Yes, CAB is recommended for adults, adolescents, and children in most cases, with minor adaptations for infants where technique and compression depth differ.
Can CAB principles apply during hands-only CPR performed by lay rescuers?
Absolutely, hands-only CPR focuses on the C and skip rescue breaths, which is a simplified version of the CAB sequence centered on continuous chest compressions.