What about the casualty? Is there
more than one? Quickly look around to see if there is the
possibility of more than one casualty. Remember that motorcycles
can also carry pillion passengers who have a habit of being
thrown considerable distances on impact.
PRIMARY
EXAMINATION
At
last you are able to touch your casualty. Check to see if the
casualty is conscious. If unconscious put the casualty in the
stable side position, check airway and breathing. Clear airway
if required. If not breathing put casualty on his or her back
and give two effective breaths. Is there a pulse? Is
there any severe bleeding? Try to obtain a history; from a
conscious casualty, or from bystanders.
At this point you are able to
decide on the life-preserving actions of cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), expired air resuscitation (EAR), and
haemorrhage control, if they are required. Get help. If
unconscious and breathing, put the casualty into the
STABLE SIDE POSITION.
SECONDARY
EXAMINATION
You now have more time to
thoroughly examine the casualty by conducting a head-to-toes
secondary
examination. Remember to be sensitive to
the age,
sex and
culture of the casualty.
1. Start
at the top of the head: check for bleeding,
fractures, swelling, and pain.
2. Face:
check airway/breathing, eyes, facial fractures, bruising, and
jaw line pain.
3. Neck,
shoulders and chest: bleeding, fractures, bruising,
swelling, pain, 'spring' of ribs. Check for Medic Alert
bracelet.
4.
Arms: bleeding, fractures, soft
tissue injuries, pain, power. Check for Medic Alert
bracelet.
5.
Abdomen and pelvis: rigidity, pain/tenderness,
'guarding', 'spring' of pelvis, and incontinence.
6. Legs:
bleeding, fractures, soft tissue injuries, pain, and power.
7. Do not
forget to check the back: hand underneath and check
for bleeding, 'log roll' and look at all areas of the back of
the casualty.
Pay attention to:
