Patient Assessment and Scene Safety

These flashcards cover key concepts related to patient assessment, scene safety, and emergency medical response.

Scene Safety

The precautions taken to ensure a safe environment before entering an emergency scene, considering factors like traffic, terrain, and weather.

Mechanism of Injury (MOI)

The type, amount, and application point of force causing an injury.

Nature of Illness (NOI)

The specific medical condition or symptoms a patient is experiencing, determined through assessment.

Blunt Trauma

Injury caused by force over a broad area, usually without broken skin, potentially damaging underlying tissues and organs.

Penetrating Trauma

Injury occurring at a small point of contact, often resulting in open wounds with high infection risk.

Primary Assessment

The initial evaluation of the patient to identify and treat immediate life threats.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices employed when encountering patients, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Triage

The process of sorting patients based on the severity of their conditions during emergencies.

General Impression

An assessment based on a visual scan of the patient to determine priority of care and overall status.

Level of Consciousness (LOC)

A measure of a patient's awareness and responsiveness, crucial for evaluating neurological and physiological status.

AVPU

A mnemonic used to assess a patient's level of consciousness: Awake and Alert, Responsive to Verbal Stimuli, Responsive to Pain, Unresponsive.

Scene Size-Up

The initial evaluation of the scene to ensure safety and gather information about potential hazards and the number of patients.

Patient Assessment

A systematic approach to evaluating a patient's condition, essential for effective emergency medical care.