PATIENT ASSESSMENT

Scene Size-Up
Big decisions that affect the entire call.

1 Is it SAFE? 2 Do I need HELP? 3 How many PATIENTS?

Call for Police? ALS Extrication Call for Help

Fire Dept Haz Mat Triage Mode

4 OBSERVE Patient
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MOI (c-spine?) or NOI

Your first look General Impression Get a general sense of

at the patient problems and priorities
Chief Complaint

Primary Assessment
What immediate actions are necessary to keep the patient alive?

Some patients NEED only
minimal assessment and care
in primary assessment.
A The one you B NOTE: AHA says when a
choose first
patient appears lifeless
depends on
use C-A-B approach
what will kill the
patient first.

C
HOW SICK IS YOUR PATIENT?

Crashing Time Sensitive Issue Stable

Unstable (MI/Stroke) Not Time Sensitive

Load and Go Transport Promptly Secondary assessment on scene

 Secondary Assessment
Perform a history, physical exam, and vital signs to determine what treatments (if any) are appropriate.

Medical
ASSESS Adjust the pace and
Start with history BODY SYSTEMS location of your exams

Trauma BASED ON based on the patient’s

condition
Start with physical exam CHIEF COMPLAINT

Differential Diagnosis
Develop a mental list of possible causes and
rule each one in or out with your
assessments and history

Cardiovascular Respiratory Neurological Musculoskeletal

Endocrine Integumentary GI/GU Reproductive

+VITAL SIGNS

Match the suspected condition with the appropriate

protocol to determine treatment

Call Medical Direction if necessary

Reassessment
Is the patient getting better, worse or staying the same?

Reassess
•Patient complaint
•Vital signs & Mental status
•Treatment provided

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