Ace the Lifesaving Society SFA Challenge 2026 – Become a First Aid Hero!

In suspected injuries, the priority is to address life threats in a practical order: Airway, Breathing, then Circulation. First, make sure the airway is open and clear because without a open airway, oxygen cannot reach the lungs no matter what else you do. If there’s a risk of spinal injury, use a jaw-thrust to open the airway without moving the neck.

Next, check breathing. If the person isn’t breathing or isn’t breathing adequately, provide rescue breaths so oxygen can reach the lungs and blood. Only move on to the next step once you’ve ensured the airway is clear and breathing is present or being supported.

Then assess circulation. This means looking for signs of life and controlling any life-threatening bleeding. If there’s severe external bleeding, apply direct pressure and manage it while continuing to monitor the person. If you’re trained and there’s no pulse or no sign of circulation, you may need to start CPR.

The other options don’t reflect this immediate life-saving sequence, since they focus on parts of the body or symptoms rather than the urgent order for keeping someone alive.