SURVEYING THE SCENE
When surveying the scene, the examiner should be aware of anything potentially hazardous such as downed wires, puddles of water, broken glass, etc. If the scene is not safe, the patient should be moved into an area that is safe (unless it is unsafe for the examiner to move the patient). Once the examiner and patient are in a safe area, the immediate assessment should be started.
JUST TAKE A CAB!
Circulation- Check the patient's pulse to make sure the blood is flowing appropriately, and note any changes in pulse.
Airway- Check to make sure the airway is clear and free of debris. You can assess this by watching the chest to see if it rises and falls freely, without struggle.
Breathing- Check to see if the patient is breathing, and note changes in normal breathing. The average individual exhibits between 12 and 18 breaths per minute. Breaths should be stable, deep breaths.
Airway- Check to make sure the airway is clear and free of debris. You can assess this by watching the chest to see if it rises and falls freely, without struggle.
Breathing- Check to see if the patient is breathing, and note changes in normal breathing. The average individual exhibits between 12 and 18 breaths per minute. Breaths should be stable, deep breaths.
Assessing the Level of Consciousness
The AVPU scale may be used to assess the level of consciousness of the patient. The assessment should move from the best (A) to the worst (U) in order to avoid unnecessary tests on a clearly conscious patient.
A- Awake: This patient will be fully awake. This patient will be awake with spontaneously open eyes, will respond to voice, and will have bodily motor function. Though the patient may be awake, they may not be fully oriented.
V- Voice: The patient will respond to vocal cues in one of three ways: using their eyes, using their motor function, using their vocal sounds.
P- Pain: The patient will respond to pain. The pain cue can be ignited in any of these ways: a sternal rub, pinching the ear, or pressing a pen into the nail bed.
U- Unresponsive/Unconscious: This patient will show no response to any of the cues given to them.
A- Awake: This patient will be fully awake. This patient will be awake with spontaneously open eyes, will respond to voice, and will have bodily motor function. Though the patient may be awake, they may not be fully oriented.
V- Voice: The patient will respond to vocal cues in one of three ways: using their eyes, using their motor function, using their vocal sounds.
P- Pain: The patient will respond to pain. The pain cue can be ignited in any of these ways: a sternal rub, pinching the ear, or pressing a pen into the nail bed.
U- Unresponsive/Unconscious: This patient will show no response to any of the cues given to them.
shock and awe
Shock can be defined as a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs after an individual has experienced trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe systemic infection, poisoning, severe burns, etc. When an individual is "in shock", the victim's organs are not receiving adequate blood flow, thus not receiving oxygen to sustain normal function. Next to death in a severe case, this condition has the potential to cause permanent organ damage. For these reasons, it is crucial to assess for shock as a part of the immediate assessment. It is important to note that a victim of shock may be either conscious or unconscious.
The signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Cool and clammy skin which may appear pale or gray
- A weak, rapid pulse
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Nausea
- The eyes appear lack luster, may seem to stare -- pupils may be dilated
If shock is suspected:
- Call 911
- Have the victim lie down
- Check CAB
- Ensure the individual warm and comfortable
- If possible, roll the person to his/her side
- Seek treatment for injuries (bleeding, broken bone, etc)
The signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Cool and clammy skin which may appear pale or gray
- A weak, rapid pulse
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Nausea
- The eyes appear lack luster, may seem to stare -- pupils may be dilated
If shock is suspected:
- Call 911
- Have the victim lie down
- Check CAB
- Ensure the individual warm and comfortable
- If possible, roll the person to his/her side
- Seek treatment for injuries (bleeding, broken bone, etc)
National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA) Position Statement
THE FOLLOWING POSITION STATEMENT SERVES AS AN UP-TO-DATE REVIEW ON EMERGENCY PLANNING IN ATHLETICS:
emergencyplanninginathletics.pdf | |
File Size: | 52 kb |
File Type: |
Case Scenario 1
Immediate assessment of this subject yielded no signs of life-threatening conditions. The subject was breathing normally, exhibited no signs of shock and had no visual defomity upon inspection.
Case Scenario 2
Upon immediate assessment, the athlete was breathing normally, exhibited no signs of shock, and had no obvious deformity, such as a femur fracture, that would merit activation of Emergency Medical Services.
1. What would be the best course of action if initial evaluation revealed a significant structural deformity within the thigh, specifically a bulbous mass directly superior to the patella and what would be some ideas in your head as the Allied Healthcare Professional?
1. What would be the best course of action if initial evaluation revealed a significant structural deformity within the thigh, specifically a bulbous mass directly superior to the patella and what would be some ideas in your head as the Allied Healthcare Professional?