HOSA EMT Test Exam Study Guide Graded A 2024

Primary Assessment - The first element in a patient assessment; steps taken for the purpose of discovering and dealing with any life-threatening problems. The six parts of primary assessment are: forming a general impression, assessing circulation, and determining the priority of the patient for treatment and transport to the hospital Focus specifically on those that internet with airway, breathing, and circulation Also referred to as primary survey or initial assessment A-B-C - Airway Breathing Circulation Assessed in this order if patient had signs of life C-A-B - Circulatory (compressions) Airway Breathing Assessed in this order if patient appears lifeless and has no pulse Notes - Any vomit in the airway that enters the lungs is very serious and often fatal. Stomach contents contain solids that may obstruct the airway as well as strong acids that can cause irritation within the airway. Some are saved by defibrillation but can later die due to aspiration pneumonia or pneumonia is. Vital component of assessment is to suction the airway as soon as needed and before ventilating Notes 2 - Exsanguinating (very severe, life threatening) bleeding must be stopped immediately. Damage to major vessels, especially arteries, can cause death extremely fast. Life threatening blessings must be stopped immediately Notes 3 - Breathing and circulation are obviously vital for life. You must make sure that your patient is breathing (and adequately for sustaining life). When it appears as if they are not breathing or only taking very occasionally, ineffective breaths (agonal breathing), check for a pulse then begin CPR if necessary. Notes 4 - If immediate interventions such as bleeding control or CPR are not required, you will shift into an important but less urgent mode where you will administer oxygen appropriate for the patient's condition and evaluate for shock General Impression - Impression of the patient's condition that is formed on first approaching the patient, based on the patient's environment, chief complaint, and appearance