EMT Paramedic
A comprehensive study of skills and knowledge needed for Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic certification exams.
Basic Concepts
Patient Assessment
The Patient Assessment Process
Patient assessment is a step-by-step approach to identifying and treating life threats. It begins the moment you arrive at the scene and continues until the patient is handed over to hospital staff.
Key Steps
- Scene Size-Up: Ensure scene safety, identify hazards, and determine the number of patients.
- Primary Assessment: Check for immediate life threats—airway, breathing, circulation (the ABCs).
- History Taking: Use SAMPLE (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up).
- Secondary Assessment: Conduct a detailed physical exam.
- Reassessment: Continuously monitor and reassess the patient.
Real-World Applications
Good assessment skills help you spot subtle clues and make fast decisions, which can be the difference between life and death.
Examples
Assessing a trauma victim for hidden bleeding after a car crash.
Using SAMPLE history to understand a diabetic patient’s symptoms.
In a Nutshell
Patient assessment is a systematic process for finding and prioritizing life threats.