Lesson 2: Primary Assessment

Objectives Descibe importance of controlling scene Describe importance of establishing safety of scene Describe Mechanism of Injury(MOI) and its importance Demonstrate how to perform primary assessment

Establishing Control of Scene Emergencies by nature tend to be chaotic and emotional Risks increase if situation is uncontrolled Clear leadership is essential The leader often emerges when the emergency happens

The Emotionally Upset Patient

Shout Out What do you think are the essential qualities of a Leader?

Leader Qualities Competent, knows Wilderness/Remote 1st Aid Appears and acts confident Speaks with authority Stays calm Listens to others in the group

Leader’s Role Do no further harm Do greatest good for the greatest number Goals Control scene See the big picture Care for life threatening and non life threatening conditions Plan evacuation for the group

Checking the Scene Check – Call – Care Check Check the scene Safety – danger to the victim or rescuers? MOI or nature of illness Check the patient Check the resources Who is available to help? How far to get more help/advanced help? Supplies and Materials available?

Checking the Scene Use standard procedures to protect against disease transmission Approach scene cautiously Determine MOI, look for clues Avoid “Tunnel Vision” Look for all injuries Consider all aspects of the scene

Emergency Moves Considerations May need to move patient to safer location Need to balance danger of environmental threats with danger of movement Limit number of people exposed to any hazards Always support head/neck of patient when moving

Checking the Patient

Checking the Patient Primary Assessment Talk to patient tell them you are trained Ask for consent to help them Control person and gather information Ask them to not move Get chief complaints from patient If head/neck/back injury is suspected/possible, restrain head from moving

Checking the Patient ABCDE Method A = Check Airway, is it open? B = Check Breathing, is it effective? C = Circulation, pulse, look for severe bleeding D = disability: possible damage to spinal cord? Immobilize until sure E = environment and exposure, assess threat from environment (cold, heat)

Recheck Resources After doing ABCDEs assessment ask: Easy/quick way to get help? Are needed resources available? Can the patient be safely moved (if needed)? What group resources do we have? Do we need?

Scenario There is no moonlight, it is windy and the temperature is 40F. There is lightening in the distance that is coming closer. Camper Timmy went to sleep uncharacteristically early, saying he was not felling so great. You smell toxic gas coming from the area of the tent and are worried. You go to check on him.

Summary Check the scene for safety Check the patient for life threatening injuries/illnesses Check your resources Emergency moves done only when risk of not moving is greater than risk of moving