What does scene size-up involve?
- processing available information
- establishing control
- need for any additional
- # of patients
- isolate body substances
- begin the process of evacuation
- scene for safety and hazards
- mechanism of injury
What is the main focus of scene size-up?
ensure the safety and well-being of the team
What do you do if you are faced with an unstable scene or a scene that begins to deteriorate?
- strongly consider relocating to a safer location
- if able to do safely, attempt to remove the patient
What do you need to do in order to keep your team safe?
- a well-organized plan
- situational awareness
What questions are involved in assessing your general impression of the scene?
- safe scene?
- sick or not sick?
- injured or not injured?
- what does your “gut” say?
What does AVPU stand for (primary assessment)
Alert and awake (GCS: 14-15)
Verbal (response to it) (GCS: 9-13)
Pain stimulus-response (GCS: 4-8)
Unresponsive (GCS: 3)
What are the two life threats to take care of and reverse?
- obstructed airway
- profuse bleeding
If you hear “snoring” what do you think?
position problem
If you hear wheezing or whistling what do you think?
foreign body
If you hear “gurgling” or “bubbling” sounds what do you think?
suction
How do you control life-threatening bleeding?
- direct pressure to the bleeding site
- pulse point compression
- elevation of extremities is feasible
- tourniquet
NEVER FORGET: YOU DON’T ALWAYS SEE THE BLEEDING
What does AMPLE stand for (secondary assessment)?
Allergies Medication currently taking Past illnesses Last Meal (I and O's) Events - environment related to injury
Primary assessment deals with what?
Immediate life threats
Secondary assessment deals with what?
Completing the overall picture: detailed, complete and thorough history and physical
Regardless of the circumstances, what is your first consideration in approaching or treating a patient?
- Scene safety
- Preserve life
- Minimize pain or further injury
- Help prepare pt for evacuation
- Do No Harm
What are the basis principles of patient assessment and care?
- Scene safety
- Airway and C-spine control
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Disability
- Expose and Environment
During the second assessment you are continuing ABCs along with F, G, H, I. What do these stand for?
- Full set of vitals signs and interventions
- Give comfort
- Head to toe examination
- Inspect the entire body
To rule out a significant spin injury the must must meet all what criteria?
- Cooperative
- Reliable
- Alert
- No numbness
- Free of other distracting injuries
- Free of spine pain and tenderness
- Finger abduction or wrist extension: against resistance
- Foot plantar flexion/dorsiextension or great toe dorsiflexion: against resistance
- Sober
- Sharp and dull sensation intact
