One of the crucial step in providing emergency care is proper assessment. Without proper assessment life threatening injuries are often taken for granted and the chances of survival would decrease.

Most often the responder are overwhelmed by the situation and may not be able to provide the best life threatening care, most especially if proper assessment is not conducted.

The Systematic Approach

It is very important that patient assessment is conducted in a systematic manner. This is to insure that life threatening injuries are given immediate intervention to increase the chances of survival. The best way to do it is start with the following:

Airway- This is obviously the first thing to assess. Open the airway. Bear in mind that in unconscious victims, the tongue would most likely block the airway. You can open the airway by tilting the head backwards. Two methods are used in opening the airway, the head tilt chin lift and the jaw thrust maneuver. The jaw thrust maneuver is done if you suspect a cervical injury.

Breathing- check the breathing by placing your ear near the patient's mouth and nose. Look for the rise and fall of the chest. Do this for no more than 10 seconds. In the absence of breathing provide rescue breaths.

Circulation- Check the carotid pulse. Do this for no more than 10 seconds. If the pulse is absent, provide chest compression. Another thing to assess under the circulation is the presence of bleeding. For more information on stopping the bleeding, Click Here

After assesing the ABC you may now proceed with the Phsical Exam.

Start from the head down to the toes. You may use the DOTS accronym. Meaning, you may chekc the head for Deformity, Open Injuries, Tenderness, and Swelling. You do this starting from the head going down to the toes. Provide the necessary intervention if a problem is noted.

In doing your physical exam, check the neck or wrist for medical tags. You patient could be wearing one. This will give you an idea of his medical condition.

Last but not least is gather history. The best way to gather history is use the SAMPLE guideline.

Symptoms, Allergies, Medical History, Past Medical History, Last oral intake, and Events leading to the injury.

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