What Are the ABCs of First Aid? Airway, Breathing & Circulation
We know that when someone suddenly needs help, the moments right after are crucial. Understanding the ABC of first aid, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, gives you the clear, practical steps to take. These essential steps are taught across Canadian Red Cross First Aid courses to ensure maximum preparedness.
Here at BraveHeart First Aid, we provide reliable training programs tailored to Nova Scotians. We want to ensure that you—whether you are a parent, caregiver, trades worker, or health professional—feel confident and ready to act.
What Are the ABCs of First Aid?
The ABCs of First Aid — Airway, Breathing, Circulation — give you a simple, structured way to focus on the immediate needs of the person being helped. Learning these principles helps you provide crucial emergency care until professional help arrives. Across Nova Scotia, we teach people from all backgrounds how to assess and manage urgent situations using the ABCs.
The ABCs of First Aid Explained:
Airway – Make sure the airway is open and clear.
Breathing – Check for normal breathing.
Circulation – Support blood flow with compressions and control major bleeding.
ABC vs. CAB: A Critical Distinction
When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, modern guidelines often focus on CAB (Compressions–Airway–Breathing) first, because starting chest compressions right away can significantly boost survival. For most other general first aid scenarios (like trauma or choking), ABC remains the first step because we must prioritize opening the airway. We teach both frameworks because knowing when to use each one is crucial.
Step-by-Step Guide: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
The ABCs of first aid give you a simple, clear sequence of action. By following the steps—airway management, breathing, and circulation—you help ensure vital oxygen and blood circulation reach the brain and body. This structured plan helps keep someone stable during situations like severe trauma, choking, or respiratory failure, giving you a clear focus until emergency response teams take over.
Airway Management
Without a clear and open airway, oxygen can’t reach the lungs. That is why effective airway management is the first priority.
Here's what you need to do to open and clear the airway:
Use the head tilt–chin lift method to open the airway.
If a spinal injury is suspected, avoid head tilt and use the jaw thrust instead (if trained).
Remove visible obstructions.
If adult/child choking: use back blows and abdominal thrusts.
If infant choking: use back blows and chest thrusts (no abdominal thrusts).
Circulation
Check circulation. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, restoring circulation is critical.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally:
Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately.
Push hard and fast at 100–120 compressions per minute, 5–6 cm deep for adults.
Alternate 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths (only if trained).
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as available. In Nova Scotia, many workplaces, arenas, and public spaces have public access AEDs available.
Why the ABCs Matter in Nova Scotia
The ABCs of first aid, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation, are the essential foundation of emergency response. Beyond general preparedness, they hold specific importance within the context of Nova Scotia life, work, and help support the efforts of emergency services.
Workplace Safety Regulations
Nova Scotia OHS regulations require many employers to have designated staff certified in Red Cross–recognized First Aid. The ABCs are a core part of that training, helping workplaces meet provincial safety standards.
Rural & Coastal Communities
In many of Nova Scotia’s rural and coastal areas, emergency medical services sometimes take longer to arrive due to longer response times. Knowing the ABCs allows you to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation for a person who needs it, providing essential support until that help is there.
Building Community Confidence
When more people are confident and prepared, they actively strengthen the chain of survival in our communities, making them safer places, from schools and hockey arenas to fishing vessels and construction sites.
We give you the knowledge to improve health outcomes and offer emergency assistance. You gain the confidence to respond effectively and help protect lives every day.
Training & Certification: Why Choose BraveHeart for Your First Aid Training
Choosing the right training provider matters. At BraveHeart First Aid, we prepare you for real-world needs. With certified instruction, flexible learning options, and hands-on practice, you’ll gain confidence, practical skills, and a Red Cross certification recognized across Canada.
Red Cross Programs Taught by Braveheart First Aid:
The Red Cross programs we teach include the ABCs of First Aid and prepares you for real-world scenarios:
CPR/AED Level C – Focused training on CPR and AED use for all ages (adult, child, and infant).
Basic (Emergency) First Aid – A one-day course designed for lower-risk workplaces.
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid – A comprehensive two-day course frequently required in many Nova Scotia workplaces under OHS law.
Basic Life Support (BLS) – Advanced training specifically for healthcare providers, with a strong focus on CAB and high-performance team resuscitation.
All CRC First Aid/CPR certifications are typically valid for 3 years; BLS is 1 year.
Our first aid certifications are designed for a variety of scenarios, offering seamless blended, in-person and recertification options!
Who Benefits From Knowing the ABCs?
The short answer: everyone. Parents, teachers, coaches, caregivers, tradespeople, fishers, and community volunteers all face moments when fast action is needed.
Whether it’s a cardiac arrest, choking incident, or severe injury, having the confidence to manage airway, breathing, and circulation can stabilize patients until professional help arrives. By knowing the ABCs, you can:
Recognize life-threatening emergencies quickly
Act with confidence until professional help arrives
Meet Nova Scotia workplace safety requirements
Strengthen survival chances in your family, workplace, or community
Work With BraveHeart for Your First Aid, CPR-C, and AED Certification
We are BraveHeart First Aid, based in Kentville, Nova Scotia, delivering trusted Canadian Red Cross–certified training across the province. Whether you require Basic (Emergency) First Aid, Intermediate (Standard) First Aid, or specialized options like Marine Basic First Aid, we’ve got you covered. Healthcare professionals benefit from Basic Life Support (BLS), while families can choose BraveHeart Babysitter training.
With flexible formats, hands-on learning, and expert instructors, Braveheart ensures you gain life-saving skills and certification recognized across Nova Scotia and beyond.