ABCDEModell

The ABCDE-Modell is a structured framework used in emergency medicine, prehospital care and trauma resuscitation to perform a rapid primary assessment and initiate initial management of acutely ill or injured patients. It provides a standardized sequence that helps clinicians prioritize life-threatening conditions and act quickly while preserving patient safety and dignity.

The model breaks the assessment into five sequential components. A stands for Airway, including assessment of patency and, if needed, airway maneuvers with cervical spine protection in suspected trauma. B stands for Breathing, evaluating ventilation and oxygenation and providing support as required. C stands for Circulation, focusing on circulation status, bleeding control, perfusion, and establishing venous access as necessary. D stands for Disability, a brief neurological evaluation to determine level of consciousness and identify focal deficits. E stands for Exposure, fully exposing the patient to inspect for additional injuries while taking measures to prevent hypothermia and maintain privacy and modesty. In practice, clinicians continuously reassess after each step and repeat the cycle to detect deterioration or improvements.

The ABCDE-Modell is widely applied in ambulances, emergency departments and disaster response. It is taught in medical and paramedical training and is adaptable to different patient populations and resource levels. While it guides initial priorities, it does not replace definitive diagnostics and treatment plans, and it relies on clinical judgment, teamwork and ongoing reassessment.

Limitations include the risk of tunnel vision toward the five steps if not applied flexibly and the need to balance speed with accuracy. See also related concepts such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Basic Life Support (BLS) and ACLS.