Table 1 Primary survey
Assessment parameters Relevant numerical data
A: Airway Is the airway patent and secure?
- Listen to air movement
- Observe rise and fall of chest
- Check tube is secure and length is correct
B: Breathing Is the patient breathing? SpO2, tidal volume, respiratory rate
- Observe chest rise and fall
- Observe patient colour
C: Circulation Does the patient have adequate circulation? Heart rate and rhythm, arterial blood pressure
- Check for a pulse
- Assess strength of pulse
- Observe patient colour
D: Disability What is the patient’s level of consciousness?
E: Exposure What is the patient’s surrounding environment?
Is the patient’s dignity preserved?