During the primary assessment, the main goal is to quickly identify and address any life-threatening conditions that could affect the patient's immediate survival.
The mechanism of injury (MOI) helps responders anticipate potential injuries based on how the injury occurred, but it does not definitively diagnose specific injuries.
A base station in emergency medical services (EMS) is a fixed-location radio system used by dispatchers to communicate with and coordinate operations across the service area.
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcare providers not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient's heart stops or they stop breathing.
A patient who is alert is responsive and able to interact by answering questions accurately and appropriately.
The first step in determining a conscious patient's level of responsiveness is to introduce yourself to the patient. This establishes communication and begins the assessment process to gauge the patient's awareness and responsiveness.
Expressed consent occurs when a patient indicates a willingness to accept treatment either verbally or non-verbally.
A bent steering wheel in a vehicle collision often indicates significant force and impact, potentially causing injuries to the chest.
A visual survey upon arriving at the scene allows responders to quickly assess the situation and determine the number of patients present. It also helps in making an initial assessment of injury severity based on visual cues such as patient positioning, obvious injuries, and overall scene conditions.
It is essential to maintain accuracy in patient care reports, and corrections should be made if there are errors to ensure the information is reliable.
Upon encountering an unconscious patient, it's important to first assess the scene for safety and note any critical observations.
