Patient Assessment
Patient assessment is the process an EMT or paramedic follows to evaluate an injured or ill patient. The process includes a scene size-up, which is the identification and mitigation of risks, a primary assessment to find and fix life threats and a secondary assessment to perform a focused history and physical exam of the patient. Each step is an opportunity to collect information that will guide treatment and inform a transport decision. In the EMS1 Patient Assessment topic find the latest news about patient assessment and top resources to improve your patient assessment skills.
Avoid false blood pressure readings that could impact patient care. Discover the most frequent BP measurement mistakes and expert-backed techniques for accuracy.
A joint NAEMSP, NASEMSO, NEMSMA, NAEMT, APA position statement prioritizes patient and provider safety
The need for data-driven decisions in managing aggressive patients while ensuring safety and compliance
Firefighters responded to the scene and found people on the lawn outside the house
The firefighters were somehow overcome by carbon monoxide, sending one into cardiac arrest
Our co-hosts give some tips on how to keep your skills sharp
Our co-hosts break down when to give a head-to-toe exam and a focused physical exam
Here are the EKG Club’s recommended steps for interpreting cardiac rhythms and 12-lead EKGs
You are on scene with a patient who is complaining of isolated abdominal pain; what tips can improve your physical exam of this patient?
You are dispatched to a report of a female patient at the gym complaining of abdominal pain
Test your knowledge on the challenges of assessing and treating children with capnography
EMS1 contributors and editorial advisory board members predict the future technologies that will transform patient assessment, care and transport
Here’s how the technology in Siri, Amazon Echo and Google Home can transform EMS patient assessment, care and documentation
A former firefighter/EMT turned medical student describes the functional components, diagnostic uses and roadblocks of using this imaging technology
How prepared are you to identify and treat injuries from shootings, bombings, stabbings and slashings?
To improve outcomes for stroke patients, Catholic Medical Center is partnering with local EMS providers to use video conferencing so a neurologist can evaluate patients
You are on scene with a patient who was found down in his living room; as you progress beyond the initial assessment, what are some typical assessment pitfalls to avoid?
You are dispatched to a report of an elderly male found down on the floor
A basic understanding of how acid-base imbalances can affect the patient’s presentation can help make sense of conflicting symptoms
The problem ultimately was traced to a broken boiler pipe in a grocery store basement
Including ultrasound during assessment may help rule out or find injuries missed with traditional exam techniques, but more research is needed
Use simulation education to teach EMS providers to recognize and treat sepsis
Community paramedics placed within a correctional facility increase the level of services provided by the health care team and potentially reduce overall health care costs
Fire officials said the level of carbon monoxide in the pool area was 300 parts per million
You are dispatched to a report of an elderly female experiencing weakness
Paddy Ennis, the first paramedic to arrive, said he had to ignore screaming victims for those in more serious condition; the quiet patients
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the emerging threats facing today’s responders, how a rescue task force response model works and what equipment and armor technology is available
Emergency responder effectiveness after this terrorist MCI will likely be judged – fairly or not – based on solving the crime, caring for the injured and quickly reuniting families
Officials called 911 and had an ambulance take the woman to a hospital 30 miles away instead of caring for her in its own ER
A study published on pediatric opioid administration before and after a protocol change reveals little change in pain assessment or management
A growing patient population that poses unique challenges and risks to all health care providers
Officials said the project is improving patient care and reducing unnecessary ER visits
