Patient Assessment

1. Patient Assessment Emergency Action Steps ‘EAS’

2. Scene size-up Initial assessment Identify and treat life threats Ongoing assessment Check Call Care Patient Assessment Process

3. EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS • Check the scene, then the victim • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number • Care for the victim

4. APPLYING THE EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS • CHECK the Scene • Is the scene safe to approach? • What happened? • How many victims are there? • Are bystanders present to help?

5. APPLYING THE EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS • CHECK the Victim • Which victims were checked for life-threatening conditions? • Which victims were checked for non-life threatening conditions? • Why were all victims not checked for non-life threatening conditions?

6. WHEN CHECKING A CONSCIOUS VICTIM, ASK– • What happened? • Do you feel pain anywhere? • Do you have any allergies? • Do you have any medical conditions or are you taking any medications? • Have you had anything to eat or drink?

7. APPLYING THE EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS • CALL 9-1-1 • When did someone call? • What information should the caller be prepared to give? • What could you do to ensure that 9-1-1 has been called? What if you are not sure? • Where else might the caller find a phone?

8. CONDITIONS THAT ARE IMMEDIATELY LIFE THREATENING • Unconsciousness • Not breathing • No heartbeat (or signs of circulation) • Severe bleeding

9. APPLYING THE EMERGENCY ACTION STEPS • CARE • What care was provided?

10. Body Substance Isolation • Assumes all body fluids present a possible risk for infection • Protective equipment • Latex or vinyl gloves should always be worn • Eye protection • Mask • Gown

11. Oncoming traffic Unstable surfaces Leaking gasoline Downed electrical lines Potential for violence Fire or smoke Hazardous materials Other dangers at crash or rescue scenes Crime scenes Scene Safety Potential Hazards

12. Scene Safety • Park in a safe area • The safety of you comes first! • Next concern is the safety of patient(s) and bystanders. • Request additional resources if needed to make scene safe.

13. Mechanism of Injury • What happened? • Helps determine the possible extent of injuries on trauma patients • Evaluate: • Amount of force applied to body • Area of the body involved

14. Motor Vehicle Crashes • Amount of force related to speed • Injuries can be predicted by: • Position in the car • Use of seat belts • How the body shifts during the crash

15. Falls • Amount of force related to height of fall • Note surface that patient landed on • Attempt to determine how patient landed

16. Gunshot and Stab Wounds • Gunshot wounds • Force is related to caliber of weapon and distance from gun to the patient • Stab wounds • Injury can be estimated by looking at the entrance and length of the weapon

17. Nature of Illness • Search for clues to determine the nature of illness. • Often described by the patient’s chief complaint • Gather information from the patient and people on scene. • Observe the scene.

18. Number of Patients • Determine the number of patients and their condition. • Assess what additional resources will be needed.