A to E assessment

This scenario will test your ability to respond to a medical emergency whilst utilising an A to E assessment, interchangeably known as the ABCDE algorithm. This approach forms the basis of the UK and several other international resuscitation guidelines and is also a key part of the Advanced Life Support (ALS) algorithm, an algorithm which all qualified junior doctors in the UK are expected to know. The aim of the ABCDE algorithm is to rapidly assess and provide life-saving treatment by systematically breaking down complex clinical situations into simpler, more manageable chunks. This systematic approach helps to assess and administer the most critical interventions sequentially while working towards a definitive diagnosis requiring specific investigations, interventions, and management. The order of the ABCDE approach is such that it optimizes blood oxygenation in a logical manner. If the algorithm is not done in the correct order, the patient may unexpectedly deteriorate due to inadequate oxygenation. This approach can be applied to any critically unwell patient and can be used on the street without any equipment, or in well-stocked emergency departments, hospital wards, or intensive care units.