Initial Medical Care and Patient Assessment

The initial assessment in emergency medical care prioritizes establishing a patent airway, ensuring adequate breathing, controlling any bleeding, and assessing the patient's level of consciousness. This is often called the ABCDEs of assessment which helps to quickly stabilize the patient.

The purpose of the initial assessment is to quickly identify and address any immediate life threats to the patient. These include problems with the airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness.

The initial assessment includes checking the patient's pulse, which gives an indication of their heart's ability to circulate blood.

In the initial assessment, securing an airway is crucial to ensure that the patient can breathe adequately. This can be achieved by using various techniques like opening the airway, ensuring the airway is clear of obstructions.

During the initial assessment, assessing the level of consciousness is crucial. It helps evaluate the patient's mental and neurological status.

The initial assessment should be conducted in a way that ensures safety for both the patient and the healthcare provider. Necessary precautions like the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be taken.

Once the initial assessment has been completed, a more focused assessment involves a detailed examination of the patient's body, including vital signs, medical history, and the mechanism of injury.

The focused assessment helps to gather crucial information about the patient's condition. This includes vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature; a review of their medical history; and an understanding of the event that led to the injury or illness.

Pulse oximeter is a non-invasive medical device used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. The reading is measured in percentage and indicates how much oxygen is being carried in the blood.

Oxygen is an essential gas for human life. It is delivered to patients who need supplemental oxygen to improve their breathing and oxygen levels.

Nasal cannula and face masks are two common methods of oxygen delivery. They are used to provide a constant flow of oxygen to the patient.

Semi-Fowler's position is a semi-reclined position where the head of the bed is raised to 30-45 degrees. This position helps to improve breathing and circulation.

Zofran is a medication used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. It is available in oral dissolving tablet (ODT) and intravenous (IV) formats.

Vital signs are measurements that reflect a person's basic bodily functions. Common vital signs taken in an emergency include: Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, and pain level.

A 12-lead ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It provides a more comprehensive picture of heart functions compared to a single-lead ECG.

A saline lock, also known as an IV lock, keeps an IV line open for continuous medication or fluid administration.