Final answer:
The 'A' in the primary survey stands for Airway, which refers to assessing and clearing the patient's airway in emergency situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary survey is a process used in emergency medicine to quickly assess and stabilize a patient's condition. The letter 'A' in the primary survey stands for 'Airway'. This step involves ensuring that the patient's airway is open and clear of any obstructions. It includes tasks such as checking for breathing, removing any foreign objects, and positioning the head and neck to maintain a patent airway.
For example, if a person is choking on a piece of food, the first step in the primary survey would be to open their airway by performing the Heimlich maneuver or back blows to dislodge the obstruction.