The procedure works by following the acronym SABCD.

** It is important to emphasize that this chapter outlines a procedure for general patient care. For an unconscious and/or trauma patient, see procedures in the relevant lessons below **

Safety		Confirmation of responder and patient safety, scanning the field/area, and calling for help (an ambulance/fire department/police).
Airway		Checking level of consciousness (via AVPU method) and ensuring an open airway.
Breathing		Assessment of respiratory status (breathing depth, breathing rate, rhythm). Consideration of respiratory aid with a bag valve mask; rescue breaths (for a patient with a respiratory rate above 30 breaths per minute or less than 8 breaths per minute); consideration of external medical oxygen by mask.
Circulation		Assessment of peripheral heart rate (number of beats per minute, rhythm, intensity); assessment of blood pressure; observe skin color (color – normal, pale, blue, yellow).
Disability		Observation of neurological condition (apathetic, agitated, lucid, cognizant of time and place); general strength test; facial symmetry.

• Reassessment + Anamnesis (medical history/details of incident) + Blood Pressure + Transfusion (administered by a medic or personnel of higher qualification)

Continued anamnesis throughout all the stages and, finally, a decision on whether evacuation to a hospital is needed.