Critical Treatments
Before Approaching the scene we must check for this
Hazards
Wire, Fire, Water, Gas, Glass, any other dangers
We assess the patients eyes for this as we approach them for the first time
What is are the eyes open and tracking
AVPU and GCS
This is the acronym we use to remember the items we are visually looking for on an assessment
DCAPP-BLS
Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, penetrations, burns, lacerations, swelling
This is the appropriate treatment for an eviscerated organ
Clean, moist dressing. DO NOT attempt to move organs back into body cavity
C-spine control
We can assess these skin qualities before touching our patient
What is Skin condition and colour
We always ask our patients for this before we begin any assessment
What is Consent
This is the acronym we use to remember the things we are physically feeling for during an assessment
TIC
Tenderness, Instability, Crepitus
Paradoxical Chest movement is a sign of this kind of this critical injury
Flail Segment
Any respirations outside below 12 or above 20, or an Oxygen Saturation less than 95% requires this treatment
High flow Oxygen.
These are obvious signs of respiratory distress
Tripod position, audible wheezes, increased work of breathing
These three questions are essential when beginning your assessment
Can you take a deep breath
Did you Hit your Head
Have you lost consciousness
We use this acronym to remember specific assessments of the abdomen we are observing and feeling
Distension, Rigidity, and Tenderness
This is the best way to assess a pelvis you suspect may be fractured
Gentle pressure on the outside of the pelvis pushing in.(never push down)
This is the last opportunity you have to apply the cervical collar during your assessment
After assessing the Upper Extremities and before rolling the patient
We must do this if we identify deadly bleeding as we approach our patient
We must determine this before we progress onto our head to toe assessment
What is the Chief Complaint
These sounds may be heard if our patient has trouble breathing
Adventitious sounds
This is the proper way to treat an Impaled Object
Stabilize in place
Sucking Chest Wound
We can delegate these tasks as we begin our primary assessment
Vital signs and SAMPLE history
If the patient is not able to answer questions, we can use this to obtain additional information
Bystanders or family
This is the appropriate immediate management of a pulsating mass in the abdomen
observe and report but do not palpate
manual realignment