Initial Assessment: Medical

Acronym: A.B.C.D.

• A
  Airway
  Is the airway patent?
• B
  Breathing
  Acronym: O.I.P.A.S.S.
  
  • O
    Oxygen
    Administer oxygen by non-rebreather mask or nasal cannula by 15 LPM (liters per minute)
  • I
    Inspect
    Inspect for adequate chest rise, acessory muscle function, flail thoracic segment(s), tripod position
  • P
    Palpate
    Palpate for broken bones (trauma assessment only)
  • A
    Auscultate
    Auscultate lung sounds at base of lungs
  • S
    Signs of shock.
    Acronym (outdated, but useful): P.A.T.P.O.D.S.
  • S
    Seal all holes
    Apply dressing and bandage to wounds. (trauma assessment only)
• C
  Circulation Acronym: V.C.R.S.S.
  • V
    Voids
    Look for visible major bleeding.
  • C
    Palpate for presence of carotid pulses.
  • R
    Palpate for presence of radial pulses.
  • S
    Palpate skin for temperature and condition.
  • S
    Treat for shock.
    
• D
  Decision to transport
  
  • High Priority / Low Priority
  • Rapid / Delayed