Mnemonics
ABC's
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
The SpO2 percentage for adequate breathing
94-100 %
This is the reason the patient called for help: also, the patient's response to a question such as "what is wrong" or "what happened
chief complaint
A patient's level of awareness of their surroundings is known as
Mental Status
The goal of the primary assesment is to
identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions
MOI, NOI
Mechanism of Injury, Nature of Illness
The average blood pressure in a healthy adult
120/80
This includes the mouth, nose, larynx
Upper Airway
What are the two types of trauma
Penetrating and Blunt
An objective finding that can be seen
Sign
OPQRST
Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time
The healthy breathing rate in adults
12-20 breaths per min
The point which the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the right and left bronchi.
Carina
Another name for Epistaxis
Nosebleed
EMT's first visual assesment of the patient
General Impression
SAMPLE
signs/symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical history, last oral intake, events leading up
Pupils should be this in a healthy adult
PERRL (pupils are equal, round and reactive to light)
Occurs when a foreign body blocks the patient's airway.
Airway obstruction
You are dispatched for a 33 yr old unresponsive patient. You arrive and observe the patient laying on the floor supine, sweaty and responsive to painful stimuli. Patient is breathing normally. Bystanders state the patient is diabetic. The first vital sign you should take is
Blood Sugar
DAILY DOUBLE!!!
The Five Rights mnemonic for administration of drugs.
The right patient, The right medication, right dose, right time, and right route.
DCAPBTLS
Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Lacerations, and Swelling
A clinical test that measures the time it takes for blood to return to the capillaries after pressure is applied
Capillary Refill
Technique used to open the airway of a patient when spinal trauma is suspected.
Jaw-Thrust Maneuver
DAILY DOUBLE!!!!
A 39-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the groin during an altercation at a bar. As you approach the patient, you note that he is conscious, is screaming in pain, and is attempting to control the bleeding, which is bright red and spurting from his groin area. You should
apply direct pressure to the wound.
The most important steps you take before any assessment
BSI/Scene safe