Understanding Patient Assessment

Patient assessment is the cornerstone of emergency medical care. It involves gathering information, identifying life threats, and making decisions to guide treatment.

Steps in Patient Assessment

• Scene Size-Up: Ensure your safety, note the mechanism of injury, and determine the number of patients.
• Primary Assessment: Check airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs). Identify life-threatening conditions and intervene immediately.
• Secondary Assessment: Obtain patient history, perform a physical exam, and measure vital signs.
• Ongoing Assessment: Reassess the patient regularly to monitor changes.

Real-World Application

In the field, a rapid and systematic assessment can mean the difference between life and death. By following these steps, EMTs and paramedics can prioritize interventions and communicate effectively with hospital staff.

Tips

• Always approach every scene with caution.
• Use standardized mnemonics like SAMPLE and OPQRST to guide your history-taking.