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Patient Assessment

Patient assessment is the backbone of every call. Every intervention you perform is triggered by a finding in this sequence. Learn the five steps until they're automatic.

Prerequisites: Airway & Breathing


Articles

Article Description
scene-size-up BSI/PPE, scene safety, MOI vs. NOI, number of patients, resource request, c-spine consideration
primary-assessment General impression, AVPU, airway, breathing, circulation, transport decision
history-taking SAMPLE and OPQRST history for every patient
secondary-assessment Rapid trauma (DCAP-BTLS head-to-toe) vs. focused physical exam; full vital signs
reassessment Repeat primary, vital sign trending (5 min critical / 15 min stable), intervention checks

Up next: Scene Size-Up