Scene Size-up
What is the difference between a SIGN and a SYMPTOM?
A SIGN can be observed by the EMT.
A SYMPTOM is what the patient feels and describes to you.
What is the term for the process of rapid identification of potentially life threatening problems?
General impression
What does the mnemonic SAMPLE stand for?
Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last oral intake; Events preceding
What are Battle signs?
Bruising behind the ears. It may indicate a skull fracture.
How often do you reassess a patient?
Unstable patients - every 5 minutes
Stable patients - every 15 minutes
If you are on an active roadway, what must you wear to make sure you are visible to others?
A high-visibility Class 2 or 3 safety vest
What are two ways of determining level of consciousness in a patient?
Do they react to verbal commands?
Do they react to painful stimuli?
What does the mnemonic OPQRST stand for?
Onset
Provocation/Palliation
Quality
Region/radiation
Severity
Timing
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult?
12-20 breaths/minute
What does "recheck interventions" mean?
Revaluating everything that has been done to the patient - oxygen administration, bandaging, etc.
What is MOI?
Mechanism of injury
When determining a patient's orientation what should you consider?
Person
Place
Time
Event
What are issues that may present issues with questioning a patient?
Language Barriers, Hearing problems, visual impairments,
What are terms that you might use when describing a patient's pulse?
Strong, bounding, weak or thready
Why is reassessment so important?
Do determine if your interventions are effective or if changes need to be made.
What is NOI?
Nature of illness
What are the ABC's of the primary assessment?
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
What are some of the sensitive subjects you may have to ask about when taking a history?
Alcohol or drug usage
Physical abuse/violence
Sexual history
Name the two components that make up a blood pressure.
Systolic pressure
Diastolic pressure
What part of patient assessment do you determine
the priority of the patient and how quickly you need to transport them?
Primary assessment
What is triage?
Sorting patients based on the severity of their condition
What does DCAP-BTLS stand for?
Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations and Swelling
A patient is giving you multiple symptoms. What might be a good question to ask them?
"I understand you have a number of symptoms. Which symptom caused you to call the ambulance?"
What does PEARRL stand for and what is it used for?
Pupils Equal And Round Regular in size; reacts to Light
Assessing a patient's pupils
What part of the patient assessment do you consider additional/specialized resources?
Scene size-up
What is clothing or specialized equipment that protects the wearer?
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Skin color
Skin temperature
Skin moisture
What is the "chief complaint"?
The most serious thing the patient is concerned about or the reason why you were called.
What does PMS stand for?
(hint - NOT Premenstral Syndrome!)
Pulse, Motor function, Sensory function
When would you hear stridor?
During the assessment of a patient's breathing