Priority Action Approach for the Walk-In Patient Flashcards
What types of injuries and illnesses might walk-in patients report with?
Walk-in patients may have injuries ranging from small cuts, scrapes, and sprains to injuries or illnesses requiring transportation by ambulance.
How should the OFA attendant modify the Priority Action Approach for walk-in patients?
The OFA attendant may modify parts of the Priority Action Approach based on information gathered about the incident, mechanism of injury, patient’s appearance, and type and severity of the wound or illness.
When is C-spine control necessary for walk-in patients?
C-spine control is necessary if the mechanism of injury suggests cervical spinal trauma.
What should the OFA attendant focus on during the scene assessment for walk-in patients?
The focus should be on the mechanism of injury and/or the history of illness to decide the appropriate course of management.
What key questions should the OFA attendant ask to determine the mechanism of injury?
The attendant should ask questions to determine what energy was exerted on the body, where it contacted the body, and the location of pain.
Why should the OFA attendant enquire about hazards and the number of victims?
To identify any hazardous conditions at the accident site and check if anyone else is hurt or in danger.
How should patient positioning be decided for walk-in patients?
Based on the scene assessment and the attendant’s general impression, the patient can be managed sitting in a treatment chair or supine if their condition deteriorates.
What should the OFA attendant do if a patient is anxious, light-headed, or dizzy?
The patient should be laid down to calm them and prevent falling from the chair.
What initial patient care should be provided if critical interventions are not required?
Support the injured part, cover obvious open wounds with sterile dressings, cool burns, and flush eyes if needed.
How can the OFA attendant assess the airway and breathing of walk-in patients?
By questioning about the mechanism of injury, observing the patient’s ability to answer clearly, and noting their appearance and response.
What should be done if there are signs of airway/breathing distress?
Position the patient according to the mechanism of injury or history of illness, and provide assisted ventilation if required.
When should vital signs be assessed and recorded?
If the patient requires referral to medical aid or complains of unusual symptoms like headache or nausea.
How is history taking modified for walk-in patients with minor wounds?
Include questions about allergies, medications, general feelings (nauseous or dizzy), and tetanus immunization status.
What observations indicate the possibility of shock in a walk-in patient?
The patient’s color and any signs of pallor should prompt the OFA attendant to lay the patient down and conduct a thorough primary survey.
What are the 3 Ps of hemorrhage control and when should the patient be laid down?
The 3 Ps are Position, Pressure, and Packing. The patient should be laid down if there is severe bleeding.
