What does the 'D' in the C-A-B-D sequence stand for?

In the context of the C-A-B-D sequence, the 'D' stands for Defibrillation. This is an essential step in the management of a patient experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart is often in a disorganized rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillation involves delivering an electrical shock to the heart using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or a manual defibrillator. This shock aims to reset the heart's electrical system, allowing it to return to a normal rhythm.

Effective and timely defibrillation is critical because the chances of survival decrease rapidly with each passing minute without it. The C-A-B-D sequence emphasizes that after confirming unresponsiveness and calling for help, the next steps involve performing chest compressions, ensuring an open airway, and delivering rescue breaths if trained to do so, followed by the application of the defibrillator as soon as available.