title: [ABCDE--a systematic approach to critically ill patients].
abstract: This systematic approach to the immediate assessment and treatment of the critically ill or injured patient is applicable in all clinical emergencies. The aim of the ABCDE approach is to facilitate immediate life-saving treatment and thus buy time for definite diagnosis and treatment by breaking down complex clinical situations into manageable parts. Application of the ABCDE approach may improve treatment quality.
authors.affiliation: Hjertemedicinsk Afdeling B, Århus Universitetshospital, 8200 Århus N, Denmark. troels.thim@ki.au.dk
authors.forename: Troels
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thim
authors.forename: Niels Henrik
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Krarup
authors.forename: Erik Lerkevang
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Grove
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Løfgren
mesh_terms: D057189:Checklist; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000145:classification / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D004630:Emergencies / Q000145:classification; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D014218:Triage