Primary and Secondary Survey Flashcards
Why remove bulk/sharp objects from unconscious victim’s pocket ?
To prevent further injuries or thing which may impede circulation/mobility of the person
What is the purpose of the recovery position ?
To protect the airway
What are some signs of airway obstruction?
Face turning blue, chest neither rises nor falls, cannot feel breaths on chin/head
What happens to the airway when the actions of head tilt/chin lift are performed ?
The tongue no longer blocks the airway
What could obstruct the airway ?
The tongue, a small object
Why is it safer for the spontaneously breathing patient to be in the recovery position rather than supine ?
In order to protect the airway (prevents the tongue choking victim)
What should you do if suspect head or neck trauma ?
Open the airway using the jaw thrust to avoid further damage (to the cervical vertebrae for instance) since it lifts the contents of the oropharynx (tongue and other soft tissues) clear from posterior wall of pharynx (if the mandible is intact) without affecting cervical verterbrae. DO NOT move the victim
Why is re-assessment important ?
To ensure victim is still breathing (if not, must start BLS)
When is jaw thrust used ?
When maintaining a difficult airway over a longer period of time, in suspected cervical injury, and when ventilating a casualty with a pocket mask.
Which four characteristics of pulsation are to note ?
Rate, rhythm, volume and character
Where is the common carotid artery palpated ?
Beneath the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the level of the cricothyroid membrane
What is a pulse ?
The beat felt felt as a result of an artery pressing against a bone or cartilage
What is the normal pulse rate ?
60 to 100 per minute
When is the term brachychardia appropriate ?
When the pulse rate is excessively low
When is the term tachycardia appropriate ?
When the pulse rate is excessively high
Why is the carotid pulse best to use in an emergency situation ?
Because strongest feel is there
Where else can we find a large calibre artery in an emergency situation ?
In the wrist (radial pulse)
Why should you feel for the carotid on one side at a time ?
Because it might “cause a lower pulse rate due to the pressure on arteries”
What are the pros of pocket mask ventilation over mouth to mouth ?
No exchange of fluids and valve in pocket mask means it’s just one way
What the term FiO2 mean ?
It means fraction of inspired oxygen
What is the FiO2 of expired air ventilation (room air is 0.21) ?
0.16 (16%)
What should you do in a conscious choking victim ?
Encourage coughing
What should you do in a conscious but exhausted/cyanosed (turning blue) choking victim ?
Call for help, carry out 5 back blows (move to their side and slightly behind them, lean them forward, giving them support, and give them 5 sharp blows between the scapulae with the heel of the hand). If blows do not work, Heimlich manoeuvre (finch clinched and between umbilicus and xiphisternum, grasp fist and pull inwards and upwards). If still not, check the mouth for any obstructions. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until obstruction cleared, help arrives or victim becomes unconscious)
What should you do in an unconscious choking victim ?
Call for help, open airway using head tilt/chin lift, and commence BLS (even if still a pulse, compressions may force obstruction upwards)
