What does the acronym "CAB" stand for in cardiac arrest management?

In the context of cardiac arrest management, the acronym "CAB" stands for Compression, Airway, Breathing. This sequence is crucial in the resuscitation process.

Compression refers to chest compressions, which are vital for maintaining blood flow to the heart and brain during cardiac arrest. High-quality compressions are essential as they help to artificially circulate blood and deliver oxygen to vital organs.

Next is Airway, which involves ensuring that the airway is open. This step is critical to provide adequate ventilation and oxygenation, especially when mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths are utilized or when using an advanced airway in more advanced life support situations.

Breathing follows, involving the delivery of rescue breaths or ventilation. This step is important to ensure that the patient is receiving oxygen, especially given that cardiac arrest often leads to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.

By following this sequence—starting with compressions to immediately restore circulation, then ensuring the airway is clear, followed by providing breaths if necessary—healthcare providers maximize the chances of survival for a patient in cardiac arrest.