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.
EMS clinicians should rely on their assessment and facts when assessing people with a suspected factitious disorder
A complete narrative in the patient care report that is reviewed and signed by the patient is your best protection against liability for the non-transport decision
OPQRST is an important part of patient assessment and the start of a conversation with the patient about their pain complaint
UC Davis Health researchers found an association between the use of naloxone and both the return of spontaneous circulation and survival to hospital discharge
Use the chronological approach to tell a vivid story about a patient encounter, the care provided and your competence as an EMS provider
It may not be poor brain integrity that is causing a lack of response to a sternum rub, but an inadequate length of time the sternum rub is applied
Because most EMS providers infrequently encounter sick pediatric patients, it is important to regularly refresh knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and life-saving treatments
First responders in Colorado Springs treated several patients during the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow
Firefighter/EMT-turned-attorney Steve Wirth addressed the criminalization of medical errors in cases like the Elijah McClain trial
An aggressive bee attack in Riverside County injured a father and his son while they were feeding their horses
A coalition of EMS organizations advocates for new performance indicators that prioritize effectiveness, safety, satisfaction, equity and efficiency over traditional response times
Steve Whitehead shares how to assess that patient with weird, vague complaints
Highlighting a joint statement from EMS associations, Chief Brian Schaeffer argues for a shift towards broader, evidence-based performance metrics to enhance EMS quality and effectiveness
“The EMT I was specifically with was very adamant on trying to get the patient out of the back of the vehicle, which I applaud him for,” a good Samaritan said
The lawsuit alleges that the recruit suffered a head injury but was cleared by paramedics to continue the “hazing ritual,” which ultimately caused his leg injuries
A 536-pound bedridden man questions why emergency staff can’t transport him to doctor’s appointments
Authorities believe the driver may have suffered a medical emergency before crashing into the Brooklyn fast food restaurant
The National Park Service said the man was taking a short walk in the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in 123-degree heat when he either broke or lost his flip-flops
Fort Lauderdale firefighters quickly extinguished a fire at a treatment center
Investigators and experts say despite warnings about the dangers of lying face down, the patient stayed on his stomach for several minutes
The death of a firefighter attendee and the wounding of three others, including former President Trump, is a tragic reminder of gunshot wound assessment and treatment challenges
Follow these steps to facilitate a successful outcome for dealing with emergencies involving kids
An initial visual assessment can identify threats to you and your patient before you narrow down a differential diagnosis
Over 142 million people across the U.S. have been under heat alerts
Go back to the basics with a thorough understanding of pediatric appearance, breathing and circulation warning signs, and the cardinal rule of pediatric assessment
Orangeburg County EMS and the sheriff’s office will go to court after a judge ruled earlier that Paul Tarashuk’s death did not fall under qualified immunity
First responders from two counties responded to several calls involving injured persons and sinking boats
A hot air balloon became unanchored during a fair in Williams and crashed into several vehicles
8 crucial blood pressure monitor features to ensure optimal performance and accuracy
Approximately 100 people were attending a party at the Somerset County park when the explosion occurred
Three patients were flown to mainland hospitals after the boat they were in crashed into a Florida Keys bridge
Authorities said no one was in custody following a violent holiday weekend
The high temperature prevented a medical helicopter from transporting a patient in Nevada
