An EMR will conduct a rapid exam to identify life threats of a patient. This exam consists of three steps. They include:

Checking the airway for blockage
Checking and correcting any breathing problems
Checking the patient's circulation

In most cases, the order in which life-threatening issues are checked begins with the airway, followed by breathing and circulation (ABC), however, when a patient is in cardiac arrest, they will first check circulation, followed by airway and breathing (CAB). This sequence reduces the time it takes to start chest compressions.

When quickly assessing a patient for life threats, an EMR will check the patient's airway _____. (5 letters)