Fire and Rescue Academy

Patient Assessment Flow Chart

Scene Size-Up

Initial Assessment

Rapid Trauma Assessment

Focused Assessment

Detailed Physical Examination (Assessment)

Transport If Not Enroute Already

Ongoing Assessment

Transfer Patient to Hospital E. R. Staff

Patient Assessment Flow Chart

Scene Size-UpDetermines:

BSI Scene is safe MOI/NOI Number of patients Need for additional

help Need for spinal

stabilization

Initial Assessment Gather general impression of patient Determine responsiveness Introduce self and obtain consent Determine chief complaint/life threats Assess airway and breathing Provide O2 and ventilate as needed Assess circulation, pulse, skin Assess for and control bleeding Control injuries Identify priority patients and transport

decisions

Focused Assessment vs. Rapid Trauma Assessment

Focused Assessment

(Responsive/Minor Trauma)

Rapid Trauma Assessment

(Unresponsive or Significant MOI)

1. Go to the source of the injury or chief complaint and assess that area

2. Obtain Baseline Vital Signs

3. Obtain SAMPLE/OPQRDT

4. Consider application of cervical collar if not done

5. Re-evaluate transport decision

1. Rapidly assess the entire body for DCAPBTLS

2. Obtain Baseline Vital Signs

3. Obtain SAMPLE

4. Consider application of cervical collar if not in place

5. Re-evaluated transport decision

Detailed Physical Examination (Assessment)

1. Assess the entire body for DCAPBTLS by inspection, auscultation, and palpation

2. Manage secondary injuries and any other non-life threats

3. Reassess vital signs

Transport if not Enroute Already

Ongoing Assessment Evaluate your interventions Re-evaluate ABCBSS Reassess vitals every 5 minutes on

critical patients Reassess vitals every 15 minutes

on non-critical patients Get more patient history (SAMPLE

and OPWRST

Transfer Patient to Hospital E.R. Staff