CAB Mnemonic for CPR: 5 Essential First Aid Steps for Cardiac Arrest

Medical Disclaimer : This guide is intended for nursing students, those preparing for global licensing exams (such as NORCET, NCLEX, USMLE), and emergency first responders. The Basic Life Support (BLS) sequence discussed complies with standard universal resuscitation guidelines.

What are the CAB mnemonics in first aid?

The CAB mnemonics are a universal sequence used to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) during sudden cardiac arrest. It stands for Compressions, Airway, and Breathing. Whenever a patient is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse, you should immediately begin the CAB sequence to maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the CAB Mnemonic

Medical and nursing exams often test the precise criteria of Basic Life Support. Here is the detailed clinical description:

1. C – Compressions (Push down)

Chest compressions are the most important step. They manually pump blood to the brain and heart.

Technique: Place the heel of one hand in the middle of the chest (on the lower half of the sternum), place the other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.

Rate: Press firmly and rapidly at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Depth: In adults, compress the chest by at least 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.4 inches).

Ratio: Maintain a strict ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

2. A – Airway (Keep open)

Once you have completed 30 compressions, you need to open the patient's airway to allow oxygen into the lungs.

Step: Use the head tilt-chin lift method. Place one hand on the patient's forehead and gently tilt the head back while lifting the chin with your fingers.

Note: If a spinal cord injury is suspected, use the jaw thrust method instead.

3. B – Breathing (Give rescue breaths)

After clearing the airway, give rescue breaths.

How to do it: Pinch the patient's nose, take a normal breath, and completely cover the patient's mouth with your own.

Administer: Give 2 rescue breaths. Each breath should last about 1 second.

Check: Observe chest rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the airway and try again.

The 5 Golden Points of Emergency First Aid :

1. Check for a response: Tap the shoulder firmly and shout, “Are you okay?”

1. Call for help: Immediately dial the emergency number and ask for an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

1. Check for breathing and pulse: Observe the chest for signs of breathing and feel the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds.

1. Start CPR: If no pulse is felt, immediately begin chest compressions.

1. Do not stop: Continue CPR until the AED arrives, advanced medical help takes over, or the patient shows signs of life.

What NOT To Do During CPR:

1. Never delay in giving CPR.

1. Never check for a pulse for more than 10 seconds.

⭐ Exam Gold (High-yield clinical topic)

Brain damage begins just 4–6 minutes after cardiac arrest from oxygen deprivation. Within 10 minutes, irreversible brain death can occur. That's why “C” (compression) comes first—to ensure the remaining oxygen in the blood is delivered immediately!