What is the purpose of the mnemonic "CAB" in CPR?

The mnemonic "CAB" stands for Compressions, Airway, and Breaths, which serves as a vital guideline for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectively.

The first component, Compressions, emphasizes the importance of initiating high-quality chest compressions to ensure blood circulation when a person is in cardiac arrest. This step is crucial because it helps maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart, until more advanced medical help can be provided.

Next, Airway comes into play, highlighting the necessity of ensuring that the airway is clear and unobstructed. This step is essential to allow for effective ventilation and the delivery of oxygen to the lungs during rescue breathing.

Finally, Breaths refers to delivering rescue breaths if trained to do so and if the person has not started breathing normally after the initial compressions. Administering breaths aids in providing oxygen to the lungs, which is critical when the heart has stopped beating adequately.

This sequence prioritizes actions that maximize the chances of survival, focusing first on compressions that maintain circulation before addressing airway and breathing issues. Understanding and remembering this order is essential for anyone performing CPR, as immediate and effective response can significantly impact outcomes in emergency situations.