When saving lives the basics must always be considered. Airway, Breathing and Circulation are the core of all teachings.  As any health care provider tell you, the ABCs are a must for any life saving efforts to work. The airway has to be open to allow air to enter and co2 to escape.  An occluded airway must be opened first and foremost. If a person is not breathing, you must provide artificial ventilation until their breathing can be restored. Check for a pulse and assess to see if the patient has a heartbeat. Begin CPR if the patient is pulse-less.

Help maintain perfusion by continuing CPR  until Advanced Cardiac Life Support Health Care providers arrive on the scene. Once the paramedics arrive on scene, patient care can be turned over to the medic.

Finally, The basics are the foundation for any life saved. Be a lifesaver and learn your ABC algorithm.