After confirming scene safety, what is the next step in the standard EMS emergency assessment sequence?

After confirming scene safety, what is the next step in the standard EMS emergency assessment sequence?

• A. Scene safety
• B. Transport
• C. Primary survey
• D. History

Answer: (C)

After confirming scene safety, you move into the primary survey to rapidly identify and treat life threats. This step focuses on airway with cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, disability (neurologic status), and exposure. You quickly check that the airway is open and protected, assess breathing for rate and effort, and provide airway maneuvers or ventilation as needed. Then assess circulation by checking for a pulse, looking for major bleeding, and ensuring adequate perfusion, while addressing any severe bleeding immediately. You also determine the patient’s level of consciousness and responsiveness, and briefly expose the chest and abdomen to identify obvious injuries while preventing heat loss. Intervene right away for threats to life, such as securing the airway, delivering oxygen or assisted ventilation, and controlling bleeding or treating shock. Once the primary survey is complete and life threats are managed, you proceed to the secondary assessment (history) and decide on transport based on the patient's condition.

After confirming scene safety, you move into the primary survey to rapidly identify and treat life threats. This step focuses on airway with cervical spine protection, breathing, circulation, disability (neurologic status), and exposure. You quickly check that the airway is open and protected, assess breathing for rate and effort, and provide airway maneuvers or ventilation as needed. Then assess circulation by checking for a pulse, looking for major bleeding, and ensuring adequate perfusion, while addressing any severe bleeding immediately. You also determine the patient’s level of consciousness and responsiveness, and briefly expose the chest and abdomen to identify obvious injuries while preventing heat loss. Intervene right away for threats to life, such as securing the airway, delivering oxygen or assisted ventilation, and controlling bleeding or treating shock. Once the primary survey is complete and life threats are managed, you proceed to the secondary assessment (history) and decide on transport based on the patient's condition.