What type of assessment should be conducted upon accessing a patient?

Conducting a primary survey upon accessing a patient is crucial for identifying life-threatening injuries that require immediate attention. The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic evaluation allows responders to quickly assess the patient's vital functions and intervene as necessary to stabilize the situation.

Identifying and addressing immediate threats to life is the priority in emergency care. If a patient is unable to breathe adequately, has significant bleeding, or shows signs of shock, prompt action can dramatically improve the likelihood of a positive outcome. This assessment sets the foundation for any further care or additional assessments.

While gathering a full medical history and conducting a secondary survey are important steps in comprehensive patient evaluation, they come after the immediate life-threatening conditions are addressed. Conducting only a visual check for external wounds is insufficient, as internal injuries may also exist that could compromise the patient’s condition. A psychological assessment, while valuable in its own right, is not relevant to the immediate physical assessment needs in an emergency situation.