ABCDE

ABCDE is an acronym formed by the five letters A through E. It is used in multiple fields as a mnemonic or framework, rather than as a single theory, and its meaning depends on the context in which it is applied.

In emergency medicine and trauma care, the ABCDE approach guides the initial patient assessment and management. It stands for Airway (with cervical spine protection), Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neurological status), and Exposure. This sequence prioritizes life-threatening conditions and is used during the primary survey in both prehospital and hospital settings, followed by ongoing reassessment and intervention as needed.

In psychology and behavior therapy, the ABCDE model appears in cognitive-behavioral frameworks, particularly in rational emotive behavior therapy. It outlines Activating event, Beliefs, Consequences, Disputation, and Effect. The model helps individuals identify irrational beliefs triggered by events, challenge them, and reduce emotional distress through revised thinking and responses.

In education and instructional design, the ABCD(E) framework is used to write learning objectives. It typically covers Audience, Behavior, Condition, Degree, and sometimes Evaluation or Evidence. Clear ABCD(E) objectives facilitate alignment between instruction and assessment, provide specific criteria for success, and aid in curriculum planning.

Beyond these main uses, ABCDE may be adopted as a general labeling convention in various lists or procedures. Its common feature is providing a simple, repeatable sequence to organize complex processes in a concise, memorable form.