A comprehensive course for Emergency Medical Responder and First Responder certification.
The primary assessment is a quick check for life-threatening problems.
Use the AVPU scale:
Any problem with airway, breathing, or circulation requires immediate action.
If a person collapses at a concert, an EMR checks for responsiveness, opens the airway, and starts CPR if needed.
Checking for a pulse and starting CPR on an unconscious person.
Noticing noisy breathing and repositioning the head to open the airway.
The primary patient assessment checks vital functions to find and fix life-threatening issues fast.