EMR First Responder

A comprehensive course for Emergency Medical Responder and First Responder certification.

Basic Concepts

Primary Patient Assessment

The ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

The primary assessment is a quick check for life-threatening problems.

  • Airway: Check if it's open and clear.
  • Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing.
  • Circulation: Check pulse and control serious bleeding.

Assessing Responsiveness

Use the AVPU scale:

  • Alert
  • Verbal response
  • Painful response
  • Unresponsive

Identifying Life Threats

Any problem with airway, breathing, or circulation requires immediate action.

Real-World Application

If a person collapses at a concert, an EMR checks for responsiveness, opens the airway, and starts CPR if needed.

Examples

  • Checking for a pulse and starting CPR on an unconscious person.

  • Noticing noisy breathing and repositioning the head to open the airway.

In a Nutshell

The primary patient assessment checks vital functions to find and fix life-threatening issues fast.