What are the components of the Primary Survey in field trauma care?

• A. Airway, Circulation, Breathing, Disability, Exposure
• B. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neuro status), Exposure/environmental control
• C. Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
• D. Airway, Circulation, Breathing, Exposure, Disability

Answer: (B)

In field trauma care, the primary survey uses the ABCDE sequence to rapidly identify and treat life-threatening problems. Start with Airway to ensure a patent airway and protect the spine if injury is suspected. Next, address Breathing to verify ventilation and oxygenation. Then move to Circulation to control bleeding and assess perfusion. After securing airway, breathing, and circulation, assess Disability to quickly gauge neurological status (level of consciousness, pupil response, motor function). Finally, perform Exposure with environmental control to fully inspect the patient for hidden injuries while preventing hypothermia. This order targets the conditions most likely to cause immediate death and sets the stage for safe, efficient stabilization. Other sequences that reorder steps or omit the exposure/environmental control step can miss critical issues or fail to prevent heat loss.