Write a 1-page report describing how you would assess the victim upon your arrival (Please use the sequence of assessment to guide you)
Daniserrano2001_
Chapter4FindingOutWhatisWrong.pptxChapter 4
Finding Out What is Wrong
Assessment Overview
Assessment: Sequence of actions that helps determine what is wrong
A primary check will determine:
Illness or injury
Responsiveness or unresponsiveness
Existence of life-threatening condition
Assessment Overview
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Assessment Steps
Perform a primary check.
Perform a physical exam.
Obtain the person’s SAMPLE history.
Scene Size-up
Look for hazards.
Be aware of the potential for violence.
Be observant for weapons.
If scene appears hazardous, do not go in.
Reduce exposure.
Determine whether problem is injury or illness.
Primary Check
Identify life-threatening conditions so that you can immediately take action to treat the conditions.
Responsiveness
Circulation
Breathing
Severe bleeding
Primary Check
Form a first impression.
Injury or illness?
Responsive or unresponsive?
Breathing adequately? Talking?
Bleeding?
Chance of exposure to blood or body fluids?
Danger to you, injured or ill person, or bystanders?
Primary Check
Check responsiveness.
Tap the person on the shoulder and ask, “Are you okay?”
If the person does not respond, call 9-1-1.
If you cannot detect breathing, begin CPR.
Primary Check
Check for breathing.
Chest movement
Normal and abnormal breath sounds
Cyanosis and skin color
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Primary Check
Check for severe bleeding.
Check for a large amount of blood.
Around the person
On the person’s clothing
Control bleeding.
Wear exam gloves.
Primary Check
Position the person.
Most people should not be moved.
Exceptions:
Unsafe location
Person is face down and needs CPR
Person has difficulty breathing from vomit
First aid provider must leave to get help
Signs of shock develop
Placing an Unresponsive Breathing Person in the Recovery Position
Kneel next to the person’s side.
Straighten both legs.
Place the arm nearest you out from the body.
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Placing an Unresponsive Breathing Person in the Recovery Position
Bring the other arm across the person’s chest.
Grab and raise the far knee until it is bent.
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Placing an Unresponsive Breathing Person in the Recovery Position
Grab the person’s bent knee and shoulder and roll the person toward you, onto the side.
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Placing an Unresponsive Breathing Person in the Recovery Position
Adjust the top leg so that both the knee and the hip are bent at right angles.
Keep the top hand under the person’s cheek.
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Physical Exam
Determine whether the cause of injury was significant.
Assume a person with a head injury also has a spinal injury.
Physical Exam
For a responsive person
Ask if he or she can feel or wiggle the fingers and toes.
For an unresponsive person
If you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the person’s head or neck.
Physical Exam
Assess the person’s entire body.
Signs—conditions you can see, feel, hear, and smell
Symptoms—things the person feels and is able to describe
The chief complaint
Physical Exam
D = Deformity
O = Open wounds
T = Tenderness
S = Swelling
© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
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© Johnathan Noden-Wilkinson/ShutterStock.
© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Significant Cause of Injury
Check the head.
Check the eyes.
Check the ears and nose.
Check the mouth.
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Significant Cause of Injury
Check the neck.
Check the chest.
Gently press inward.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS.
Significant Cause of Injury
Check the abdomen.
Gently press on all four quadrants.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS.
Significant Cause of Injury
Check the pelvis.
Gently press inward on tops of hips.
Press downward.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS.
© Jones & Bartlett Learning. Courtesy of MIEMSS.
Significant Cause of Injury
Check all four extremities.
Circulation
Sensation
Movement
Check the back.
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Special Considerations
Skin condition
Temperature
Color
Moisture
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© Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Special Considerations
Capillary refill test
Press fingernail or toenail for a few seconds and release.
© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Special Considerations
Expose injury.
Explain what you are doing.
Maintain privacy.
Prevent exposure to cold.
© American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Special Considerations
Check for medical identification tags.
Wallet
Purse
Necklace to cold.
Bracelet
Courtesy of the MedicAlert Foundation®. © 2006, All Rights Reserved. MedicAlert® is a federally registered trademark and service mark.
Courtesy of the MedicAlert Foundation®. © 2006, All Rights Reserved. MedicAlert® is a federally registered trademark and service mark.
SAMPLE History
Helps identify what is wrong with the person
Can indicate what first aid is needed
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What to Do Until Medical Help is Available
Recheck a serious illness or injury regularly.
Remaining calm and reassuring the person may be the best treatment you can provide.
