ABCDE is the standard way UK clinicians assess an acutely unwell patient. Examiners expect you to follow it in order, say what you find and treat problems as you find them before moving on.
| Step | Check | Say or do |
|---|---|---|
| Airway | Can the patient speak? Noise, obstruction, secretions | Open and clear the airway, call for help early if it is not safe |
| Breathing | Rate, saturations, chest movement, auscultation | Give oxygen as indicated; treat the cause (for example, bronchospasm) |
| Circulation | Pulse, blood pressure, capillary refill, bleeding, IV access | Fluids or haemorrhage control as appropriate; consider ECG and bloods |
| Disability | AVPU or GCS, pupils, blood glucose | Check glucose; treat low glucose and seizures |
| Exposure | Full examination, temperature, rash, injuries | Keep the patient warm and respect dignity |
Habits that score
- Introduce yourself, wash your hands and ask permission, even in an emergency scenario.
- Re-assess from A after every intervention.
- Ask for senior help using a structured handover such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation).
- Narrate what you are doing and why, calmly.
Practise with a partner using the step-by-step routines, and pair it with the communication frameworks. The same structure helps in PLAB 1 emergency questions: see high-yield topics.
Related guides
General education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.