Secondary Survey

This is a head-to-toe examination of the patient, conducted only if they are responsive. As you do this, remember to look out for other injuries that may not be as obvious.

Conducting the Exam

1. Ensure that the patient is conscious. If not, call emergency services.
2. As you look at the patient, ask yourself questions and watch for worsening symptoms.
3. Introduce yourself and ask the patient open-ended questions to give an idea about what may have happened and what symptoms they may have.

       1. Ask them questions like the one below to get a sense of the patient’s state:

             1. “Can you move your fingers?”       2. “Do you know what happened"?”       3. “Can you nod your head?”    2. Also keep watch of symptoms and body language that may hint at another injury.

             1. Bluing lips and nailbeds, for instance, may hint at shock.

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