The lessons included are

• Lesson 1: Scene Safety And Management
• Lesson 2: Additional And Specialized Resources
• Lesson 3: Initial Assessment Vs. Primary Assessment
• Lesson 4: Secondary Assessment
• Lesson 5: Patient History Taking
• Lesson 6: Priority of Patient Transport

Excerpt from EMS Care EMT Chapter 24-MCIT-F3-2114 | Patient Assessment

The Primary Assessment expands on the Initial Assessment, providing a more detailed evaluation. For Airway, you’re not just checking if it’s open but assessing for potential complications and considering advanced management if needed. Breathing involves a full respiratory evaluation, including lung sounds and work of breathing. Circulation includes a comprehensive check of circulatory status, including skin signs and a more detailed bleeding assessment. Disability involves a more thorough neurological assessment, often using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Expose/Environment means fully exposing the patient as appropriate to assess for hidden injuries or medical conditions while being mindful of environmental factors and patient dignity.

Every patient undergoes a primary assessment regardless of the mechanism of injury or nature of the illness. The main purpose of the primary assessment is to identify and manage immediately life-threatening conditions to the airway, breathing, oxygenation, or circulation.   

Primary Assessments help in:

• Determining whether the patient is injured or ill,
• Identifying and managing immediate life-threatening conditions, and,
• Determining priorities for further assessment and care on the scene versus immediate transport with evaluation and maintenance to continue en route.