1 Scene Assessment and Emergency Priorities Free Online FlashCards

What should you do before approaching a scene?

Pause, identify hazards, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and keep an exit route in mind. Do not enter until the scene is safe.

What should you note once it is safe to approach?

Note the number of patients, what may have happened, and whether additional resources are needed.

What does ABCDE assess?

ABCDE means Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. Follow your service’s sequence because protocols can vary.

What does the airway check assess?

Check whether the airway is open and maintainable; look and listen for obstruction or abnormal sounds.

What does the breathing check assess?

Determine whether breathing is present and effective; watch for severe effort, very slow or absent breathing, or respiratory failure signs.

What findings matter in the circulation check?

Look for life-threatening bleeding and poor circulation, such as pale, cool, clammy skin or a weak pulse.

What does the disability check focus on?

Check responsiveness and major changes in mental status.

What does exposure involve?

Look for significant injuries while protecting the patient from unnecessary heat loss and exposure.

How can catastrophic bleeding affect the initial trauma assessment?

In trauma, control immediately obvious catastrophic bleeding before or alongside the airway check, according to local protocol.

Which airway findings warn of an immediate threat?

An obstructed or unprotected airway, or inability to speak normally, signals a need for immediate assessment and intervention.

What limits immediate care and when should you request more resources?

Provide care only within your training, scope of practice, and current local protocols; activate additional resources early when needs exceed those available.

How should you prioritize patients when several are present?

Prioritize by severity: a quiet, unresponsive patient with abnormal breathing may need care before a conscious person calling for help. Follow incident triage procedures for multiple patients.