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Physical Assessment
The physical assessment is designed
to identify signs and symptoms of illness or injury not discovered
when attending to the airway, breathing and circulation. Physical
assessment is performed after assessing for and attending
to any immediately life-threating problems. To “perform
a physical assessment” on an injured victim means to
do a head to toe check for injuries. It also includes asking
an injured or ill victim about signs, symptoms and their medical
history. Information obtained from performing a physical assessment
can be useful for the first aid provider and victim and should
be passed on to EMS providers or other health care professionals.
When Caring for Children
The head-to-toes assessment sequence
should be reversed (toes-to-head) In Infants and young children.
Infants and young children find it threatening when strangers
want to touch their face. By beginning with the toes and going
backward, you reduce the chance of scaring the child. Try
to gain the child's trust as you go. Be calm, friendly and
reassuring.
When caring for older persons
Talking with older persons may be difficult.
Elderly victims may have trouble seeing, hearing and talking.
Speak face-to-face at eye level. If the older person seems
confused and a relative or friend is available, check witht
hem to see if this difficulty is normal for the older person.
Always speak slowly, distinctly and respectfully. Don’t
shout.
First Aid
Briefly assess the body in a logical manner (head to toe).
Look and/or feel for the signs of injury. This may be done
through simple observation or by gentle touch.
The memory aid D-O-T-S is helpful
in remembering what to look for. If the victim has been subject
to extreme forces, such as a car crash or head, neck or spinal
injuries are suspected, perform a head-to-toe assessment only
if another first aid provider is available to help hold the
victim’s head still.
Assess head, neck, chest, abdomen,
pelvis, and all four limbs.
D-O-T-S is helpful in remembering what
to look for.
Deformities
Tenderness
Open Injuries
Swelling
Ask questions to gather information
about the victim’s signs and symptoms and medical history.
S-A-M-P-L-E is helpful in remembering
what information to ask about.
Signs/symptoms (signs of injury/symptoms
of illness)
Allergies (to medications, food, environmental)
Medications (ill or injured person is taking)
Pertinent past history (of medical problems)
Last oral intake (liquids or solids)
Events ( that may have led to illness/injury)
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