Primary Assessment

Primary Assessment

An initial step in patient evaluation focused on identifying and managing immediate life threats.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body, crucial for understanding primary assessments.

Scene Size-Up

The process of assessing the scene to identify hazards, determine the number of patients, and decide on additional resources.

Airway Management

Techniques used to maintain or restore airflow to a patient.

Secondary Assessment

A detailed examination performed after the primary assessment to gather more information about the patient's condition.

Cardiac Emergencies

Medical situations involving the heart, which may include arrhythmias, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.

Diabetic Emergencies

Medical situations resulting from high or low blood sugar levels.

AVPU Scale

A method of assessing a patient's mental status: Alert, Verbal response, Painful response, Unresponsive.

General Impression

An initial assessment of a patient's condition based on observation to prioritize care.

Reassessment

The process of monitoring changes in a patient's condition to adjust management plans.

Mental Status

The level of consciousness and cognitive function of a patient, which is critical in assessment.

Stabilization of Head and Neck

Techniques used in trauma patients to prevent further spinal injury.

Priority Decision

Determining the urgency of transport and intervention based on initial assessment findings.

Circulation Assessment

Evaluating pulse, skin condition, and signs of shock to determine the patient's circulatory status.

Life-Threatening Problems

Critical conditions that pose an immediate risk to a patient's life, especially in airway, breathing, and circulation.

Chest Compressions

A method used during CPR to restore blood flow during cardiac arrest.

Exsanguinating Bleeding

Severe blood loss that poses immediate danger to life, requiring urgent control.

Communication in Emergency Management

Using scene information and assessment findings to inform decisions for patient care.

Transport Priority

Classification of patients as stable, potentially unstable, or unstable to guide urgency in treatment.

Pediatric Assessment Triangle

A quick evaluation of a child's condition based on appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to the skin.

Airway-Opening Techniques

Methods used to secure an open airway, including head-tilt, chin-lift, and jaw-thrust.

Capillary Refill

A circulation check, especially in children; normal refill time is less than 2 seconds.

Clinical Judgment

The ability to make informed decisions in patient assessment based on experience and observations.

Agonal Breathing

Gasping or abnormal breaths that may indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Teamwork in Emergency Response

The collaborative efforts of EMTs and other responders to efficiently address patient needs.

Mental Status Orientation

Assessment of a patient's awareness of person, place, and time to gauge cognitive function.

Suctioning

The process of removing obstructions from the airway to maintain patency.

Early Signs of Shock

Indicators of circulatory failure, such as pale skin, rapid pulse, and altered mental status.

Unresponsive Patients

Individuals who do not respond to stimuli and may require immediate life-saving interventions.

Dynamic Assessment Process

The ongoing evaluation of a patient's condition and response to treatment during the primary assessment.

Intervention Timing

Deciding when to act in response to findings during the primary assessment.