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Perform Secondary Survey in a First Aid Emergency

Updated: Oct 1, 2022

Perform Secondary Survey in a First Aid Emergency Our first step in solving a problem in life is to identify the problem. If your car breaks down and you want to repair it, you must find out which part is broken. The same applies to first aid. If you encounter an injury emergency involving a casualty, you must first determine what is wrong.

Two important assessments of the casualty are outlined by The First Aid Course, a leading provider of first aid courses in Australia:

  • Primary survey

  • Secondary survey

Casualty assessment is both an overarching and sequential process. Despite their use in trauma scenarios, these two assessment components are useful for most patients. This will provide a comprehensive clinical picture of the patient. You can identify whether a person is in a life-threatening situation by using these two assessments. They will tell you what injuries they may have and the level of danger they are in. Learn what primary and secondary surveys are and why they are important in a first aid emergency. Following an assessment, we will explain the next appropriate steps based on the findings. PRIMARY SURVEY In order to detect immediate threats to life, the primary survey is designed to assist emergency first responders. The most important information when deciding your treatment is the patient's responsiveness, airways, and breathing. The most common mnemonic for the primary survey is the ‘DRABC' which stands for Danger, Responsiveness, Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. To ensure the most critical steps are completed in a logical order, here is the order of priority. As a result of this systematic approach, nothing is missed. If you come across an emergency, the first thing to do is the DRABC. Danger Safety is the first and most important rule in first aid intervention. Before approaching a scene, ensure that it is absolutely safe. Approaching unsafe conditions puts you at risk. Unsafe conditions including uncontrolled traffic, live electricity, or places or objects that can cause you to fall or trip over. Once the scene is safe to approach, you can begin to assess the casualty. Response Utilize the AVPU scale to measure the patient's responsiveness. Observe if the casualty is moving or talking. In the absence of signs of alertness, move on to the next one. Assess the casualty's response to loud voices. In the absence of a response, proceed to step P. Does the casualty only respond to painful stimuli? In the absence of any signs of responsiveness, move on to the last step. Upon reaching this point, you can assume that the casualty is unresponsive. Airway There might be an airway problem if the casualty is unresponsive. Place the casualty on their back with their head slightly tilted backward to check the airway. Lightly tap the back of the head with your hand after placing it on the chin and forehead. Lift their mouth open by using your fingertips on their chin area. Breathing Be on the lookout for any signs of breathing difficulties - whether abnormal breathing patterns, infrequent breathing, or no breathing at all. The symptoms listed above should prompt you to start CPR. Circulatory system When it comes to circulation, hemorrhagic shock is the major threat. Assess the casualty's pulse rate, skin color, capillary refill time, and blood pressure. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the casualty has not begun to breathe. Proceed with the assessment once the primary survey has been completed.

  • Call Triple Zero and perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the casualty is unconscious and breathing difficulties.

  • The secondary survey should be conducted if the casualty is conscious and breathing. Find out more about the injury from the casualty.

SECONDARY SURVEY As soon as the primary survey has been completed, immediate life-threats have been identified and managed, and the casualty is stable, the secondary survey should begin. In the secondary survey, if there is a problem that is less obvious and may require first aid, it will be addressed. An in-depth head-to-toe examination is involved in this assessment. Through a history and physical examination, it aims to detect other significant injuries that are not immediately life-threatening. The secondary survey is a systematic approach to identifying bleeding or fractures on the casualty. The head, shoulders, and legs are the first to be affected. Head and face Lacerations or bruising, including mastoid or periorbital bruising, should be checked on the face and scalp. A fracture at the base of the skull may be indicated by such injuries. Check the ears for bleeding and leaks and assess the eyes for penetrating injuries. Be sure to check the nose for any bleeding or deformities. Neck If the cervical collar is open, examine the neck. During this process, the head should be stabilized manually in line. Inspect the anterior neck for signs of tracheal deviation, wounds, bruising, and neck vein distension. Any pain, tenderness, or deformity on the cervical spine should be noted. Shoulders & Chest Place both hands on opposite sides of the body and run them down both sides to compare the shoulders. Start by feeling the rib cage on the chest. It can be extremely painful for conscious casualties to suffer a broken rib. You should first ask the casualty if he or she has broken ribs before taking any further action. Abdomen Examine the abdomen, the perineum, and the external genitalia. Check for bruising, lacerations, or penetrating injuries caused by the seat belt or handle bars. Check the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder for tenderness. Back In either the primary or secondary survey, perform a log roll at least once. Note any deformities, bruises, and lacerations on the back. Make note of any loss of tone or sensation as well. Limbs The casualty's limbs and joints should be examined. Make note of any visible bruising, lacerations, muscle, nerve, or tendon damage. It is one of the most important things a rescuer can do to help a casualty to understand primary and secondary surveys. Attending a first aid course will teach you how to do both primary and secondary assessment.

It is important to always be prepared for emergencies. Disasters, illnesses, and other emergencies can strike anyone, regardless of age, location, or status.

Therefore, it is a good idea to learn basic first aid and emergency protocols. In an emergency, you will be able to respond quickly and appropriately if you have the right skills and knowledge. It is impossible to predict when a situation will arise that will require quick thinking, calm nerves, and a basic understanding of first aid.

Natural disasters and health emergencies cannot always be prevented, but we can prepare for them. Prepared by First Aid NT, here are 4 steps you can take to be emergency-ready.

Preventing injuries

It is also true that prevention is better than cure in this case. The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You should educate yourself in order to prevent injuries. Know the most common risks, hazards, and emergencies that may affect you and those close to you. Learn about the different types of natural disasters and which one might occur in your area. When it comes to prevention, nothing beats being informed.

Steps to take in the event of an emergency

By having a clear action plan during an emergency, you can streamline your response. Different types of emergencies should be considered, such as house fires, cyclones, or unexpected injuries. Create an action plan for each type of emergency: pre-emergency, mid-emergency, and after-emergency. Make sure you have a plan for emergency communications and an emergency supply of food, water, and medications on hand.

Make sure you have a complete first aid kit on hand.

You should keep a first aid kit in your home, car, and workplace in case of an emergency. A first aid kit contains bandages, gauze, scissors, and gloves. Medical supplies, such as antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, aspirin, and ointments, are usually stocked here. First aid kits can be customized according to the needs of those who will use them. Children should not be able to access it. It should be kept in a location that is accessible to adults but out of reach of children.


First Aid Training

A smart way to handle an emergency is to remain calm under pressure. Panicking is only going to hinder critical thinking and your ability to respond quickly. Your emergency preparedness should include First Aid Training. A good first aid course will teach you how to be an effective first responder. It will help you learn how to remain calm while responding to a variety of emergencies.

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Keywords explained Firstaid Darwin NT

First Aid: First aid is the initial assistance given to a person who has suffered an injury or illness. It is provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery un

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