Why does the American Heart Association favor the acronym CAB for EMTs?

The preference for the acronym CAB by the American Heart Association is grounded in its focus on the critical sequence of actions needed during cardiac emergencies. CAB stands for Circulation, Airway, and Breathing, and the order of these components is essential because it prioritizes immediate interventions that can significantly impact survival outcomes.

By advocating for this sequence, the organization emphasizes the importance of restoring circulation, primarily through chest compressions, prior to airway management and rescue breaths. This is particularly crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, where effective chest compressions can provide blood flow to vital organs, such as the brain and heart, until more definitive care can be provided.

In contrast, airway procedures, rescue protocols, and patient comfort, while important, are secondary to ensuring that circulation is reestablished promptly in life-threatening situations. Therefore, the emphasis placed on circulation as the highest priority in emergency response aligns with evidence-based practices that dictate the most effective approach to resuscitation.