Rapid Trauma Assessment

[mcvey7218]

Another question...I have gotten totally confused about the steps of the Rapid Trauma Assessment vs. Focused Assessment vs. Detailed Physical Exam. Can anyone give me any pointers or hints that will help me to remember exactly what it is that I am supposed to be doing and at which time I am to be doing it? Also, our text says that in the rapid trauma assessment, we cover DCAP-BTLS, which I understand, and that we are to assess the face, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth during the detailed physical exam, once the patient is in the rig and enroute to the hospital. However, from what I understand, the face, ears, eyes, nose, and mouth are part of the rapid trauma assessment during the NR exam. So, during my practicals, which method do I use?

[Ridryder911]

Look at the NR exam skill sheet(s) and it will go in sequence and order you exam. The initial or now back to being called primary survey includes the face for such as LOC, oral cavity for airway acceptance and checking quickly for exsanguinating hemorrhaging.

R/r 911

[bstone]

This website really helped me when I did my advanced level trauma patient assessment with the NREMT 2 weeks ago:
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?...ode_id=1450809

[Airwaygoddess]

So here we go, Rapid trauma assessment is for trauma and if you have a patient that is unconsciousness unresponsive. This assessment is first and foremost check the Airway-Breathing-Circulation, correct those LIFE THREATING things first. Then the rest is a quick body system check, what is working, whats not and what needs to be corrected /fixed with interventions.
Focused is when the patient complains of what is hurting or bothering them, the reason why they called the ambulance, i.e. my chest hurts, I can't catch my breath, I broke my leg, etc. after again checking on the ABC'S first and correcting those LIFE THREATING problems you would then FOCUS on that patient's chief complaint and check and do an assesment on the part that the patient complains of. Please be sure to get a good SAMPLE and don't get pulled into tunnel vision, sometimes things can be missed by not looking at the whole big pictureof your patient
Detailed is when you have your patient in the ambulance and you would recheck you patient as it says in more detail, if time allows and there are no apparent life threats going on at the same time. Remember, ABC"s come first and foremost and like Rid suggested, read over your skills sheets and ask questions. Hope this helps!

[Airwaygoddess]

So here we go, Rapid trauma assessment is for trauma and if you have a patient that is unconsciousness unresponsive. This assessment is first and foremost check the Airway-Breathing-Circulation, correct those LIFE THREATING things first. Then the rest is a quick body system check, what is working, what's not and what needs to be corrected /fixed with interventions.
Focused is when the patient complains of what is hurting or bothering them, the reason why they called the ambulance, i.e. my chest hurts, I can't catch my breath, I broke my leg, etc. after again checking on the ABC'S first and correcting those LIFE THREATING problems you would then FOCUS on that patient's chief complaint and check and do an assesment on the part that the patient complains of. Please be sure to get a good SAMPLE and don't get pulled into tunnel vision, sometimes things can be missed by not looking at the whole big picture of your patient
Detailed is when you have your patient in the ambulance and you would recheck you patient as it says in more detail, if time allows and there are no apparent life threats going on at the same time. Remember, ABC"s come first and foremost and like Rid suggested, read over your skills sheets and ask questions. Hope this helps!

[Airwaygoddess]

WHOOPS! Double post, sorry about that folks!

[Mercy4Angels]

love the double posts ! i get to read them twice, LOL