Initial assessment

Question 1

What do you do before the initial assessment?

Answer 1

• scene safety
• PPE

Question 2

Goal of initial assessment

Answer 2

Quickly identify & treat any immediate life threats

Question 3

mnemonic for initial assessment

Answer 3

ABCDE

Question 4

What does ABCDE stand for?

Answer 4

Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Environment

Question 5

Airway - unresponsive patient

Answer 5

Tap patient, “Are you okay?”
If unresponsive, have someone call IC & get AED

Question 6

Breathing - unresponsive patient

Answer 6

Put patient face up on firm flat surface

Quickly assess for normal breathing
- If unsure, assume not normal
- Weak, irregular gasping, snorting, or gurgling isn’t normal

If not breathing or only gasping: Do CPR

If normal breathing: Recovery position

Resume initial assessment only if circumstances allow

Question 7

Airway - responsive patient

Answer 7

Introduce yourself, consent
Check for diminished level of responsiveness
Look/listen for airway issues
Consider recovery position
Drain fluids & sweep material from mouth if found

Question 8

Breathing - responsive patient

Answer 8

Quickly assess for adequate breathing

If inadequate, consider rescue breaths

Question 9

Circulation

Answer 9

Scan body for heavy bleeding; if found, expose wound & control bleeding

Check for symptoms of shock

Question 10

Disability

Answer 10

If MOI makes you suspect spinal injury, initiate spinal precautions

Question 11

Environment

Answer 11

Environment: Will environmental conditions impact survival? If so, move or protect patient