What are the first three steps in conducting CPR?

The first three steps in conducting CPR are typically remembered by the acronym CAB, which stands for Circulation, Airway, and Breathing. This approach prioritizes addressing circulation first, as restoring blood flow through chest compressions is critical for a patient who is unresponsive and has no pulse. By starting with circulation, responders can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, which is crucial during cardiac arrest.

Following circulation, the next step is to ensure that the airway is clear. If the airway is obstructed, even effective rescue breaths will not be able to deliver oxygen to the lungs. Therefore, it is essential to open the airway to facilitate both the effectiveness of chest compressions and the administration of rescue breaths.

Breathing is the last step in this sequence because once circulation is addressed and the airway is secured, the provider can focus on delivering rescue breaths if the victim is not breathing on their own. This method of prioritizing actions helps maximize the chances of survival and the effectiveness of the resuscitation efforts.