EMT Scene Size-Up & Patient Assessment

Study Notes

Medical Patient Assessment Overview

Components of medical patient assessment include BSI, scene size-up, initial assessment, focused history and physical exam, rapid medical assessment, and ongoing assessment.

Scene Size-Up

A critical process for EMS providers upon arriving at an emergency scene.
Key objectives: ensure scene safety, implement BSI precautions, assess the mechanism of injury (MOI) or patient’s illness, count the number of patients, and determine the need for additional resources, including Advanced Life Support (ALS).

Parts of Scene Size-Up

Assess whether the scene is safe for entry.
Identify the cause of injury or nature of illness.
Count the number of patients involved.
Call for additional help if required.
Implement cervical spine precautions.

Initial Assessment

The initial step to identify and address life-threatening issues.
Focus areas: level of consciousness (LOC), cervical spine protection, airway management, breathing effectiveness, and circulation.
Establish a general impression of the patient to prioritize care and determine if they are a medical or trauma case.
Components can be adjusted based on patient presentation.

General Impression

Evaluate MOI or nature of illness alongside patient demographics such as age, sex, and race.
Identify and manage immediate life-threatening conditions, especially related to airway, breathing, or circulation.
Communicate the general impression of the patient clearly.

Airway and Breathing Assessment

Ensure the airway is patent and that the patient is breathing adequately.
Confirm sufficient ventilation is happening.
Administer the correct amount of supplemental oxygen when needed.

Circulation Assessment

Control any major bleeding immediately.
Check the patient’s pulse for rate and quality.
Assess skin condition for signs of adequate perfusion.

Focused History & Physical Exam

Re-evaluate the MOI to decide between a rapid trauma assessment or focused assessment.
Conduct a physical exam based on the patient's chief complaint and medical history using OPQRST (onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time).
Obtain a baseline set of vital signs and gather a SAMPLE history (signs/symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical history, last oral intake, events leading up to present illness/injury).

Rapid Medical Assessment

Conducted on unconscious, confused, or unable to communicate patients.
Quickly identify any existing or potential life-threatening conditions.
Perform a head-to-toe assessment using DACP-BTLS (deformities, abrasions, contusions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling).
Obtain baseline vital signs and perform SAMPLE history for comprehensive understanding.

Description

Test your knowledge on the critical components of scene size-up and patient assessment in emergency medical situations. This quiz covers essential procedures for EMS providers, including initial assessments and ongoing evaluations.

EMT Scene Size-Up & Patient Assessment

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Questions and Answers

What are the parts of a medical patient assessment? (Select all that apply)

What is the scene size-up?

What are the parts of the scene size-up? (Select all that apply)

What is the initial assessment?

What is the general impression?

What are the main things to do when assessing the airway and breathing? (Select all that apply)

What are the main things to do when assessing circulation? (Select all that apply)

What is the focused Hx and physical exam?

What is the rapid medical assessment?