The ABCs of airway management in this context emphasize which action?

• A. Ventilate via bag-valve mask at a controlled rate
• B. Focus solely on circulation
• C. Wait for spontaneous breathing
• D. Use only oxygen therapy

Answer: (A)

In airway management, ensuring proper ventilation is the immediate priority after establishing an open airway. A bag-valve mask provides controlled, manual breaths to support or establish ventilation when the patient isn’t breathing adequately on their own. Ventilation at a controlled rate helps deliver sufficient oxygen while avoiding over-ventilation, which can cause reduced venous return and gastric insufflation, and it ensures consistent tidal volumes.

Choosing this approach over focusing only on circulation, waiting for spontaneous breathing, or relying on oxygen therapy alone keeps the patient’s oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal active rather than passive, which is essential in the early management of airway emergencies.