Trauma and burns mnemonic

Order of the ATLS primary survey

The mnemonic

ABCDE

What each word stands for

  • AAirway with cervical spine protection
  • BBreathing and ventilation
  • CCirculation with haemorrhage control
  • DDisability (neurological status, GCS, pupils)
  • EExposure with environmental control

Why it matters clinically

Life-threatening problems are treated in this order as they are found, before any detailed examination.

Where it stops being reliable

Covers the sequence only, not the specific interventions or the secondary survey.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Trauma and burns mnemonic?

ABCDE. It helps you recall: Order of the ATLS primary survey.

What does "A" stand for?

Airway with cervical spine protection

What does "B" stand for?

Breathing and ventilation

What does "C" stand for?

Circulation with haemorrhage control

What are all the parts of the ABCDE mnemonic?

A: Airway with cervical spine protection; B: Breathing and ventilation; C: Circulation with haemorrhage control; D: Disability (neurological status, GCS, pupils); E: Exposure with environmental control.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Trauma and burns in General Surgery.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Covers the sequence only, not the specific interventions or the secondary survey.

How is this useful clinically?

Life-threatening problems are treated in this order as they are found, before any detailed examination.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a General Surgery question about Trauma and burns.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.