What should a Combat Medic assess for under the 'B' in the ABCDE method?

In the ABCDE method of patient assessment, the 'B' stands for Breathing. This step is crucial as it focuses on evaluating the patient's ability to breathe effectively and assess their respiratory status. The assessment includes observing the patient's chest for movement, listening for abnormal breath sounds, and checking for signs of respiratory distress, such as use of accessory muscles, cyanosis, or altered mental status that can indicate hypoxia.

Effective breathing is vital for maintaining adequate oxygen supply to the body's tissues, and any compromise can lead to serious complications. Understanding and assessing breathing allows the Combat Medic to determine if immediate interventions, such as clearing the airway or administering supplemental oxygen, are necessary. In contrast, other options like pulse, blood pressure, and abdominal assessment are relevant but are categorized under different parts of the ABCDE method, where consciousness and circulation are assessed separately.