In trauma assessment, what should you do after you have opened the airway and confirmed breathing?

In trauma assessment, what should you do after you have opened the airway and confirmed breathing?

• A. Check for circulation and control major bleeding
• B. Administer fluids
• C. Document the scene only
• D. Move to transport exclusively

Answer: (A)

After you have opened the airway and confirmed breathing, the next priority is circulation and stopping life-threatening bleeding. Uncontrolled hemorrhage can cause rapid death, so you quickly assess for signs of poor perfusion (such as weak pulse, pale or cool skin, altered mental status) and for any obvious bleeding. If major bleeding is present, apply direct pressure with dressings, pack wounds, or use a tourniquet as needed to control it. Then continue rapid transport and monitor for signs of shock, while keeping the patient warm. Administering fluids or documenting the scene don’t take precedence over stopping a potentially fatal bleed, so addressing circulation first is essential.

After you have opened the airway and confirmed breathing, the next priority is circulation and stopping life-threatening bleeding. Uncontrolled hemorrhage can cause rapid death, so you quickly assess for signs of poor perfusion (such as weak pulse, pale or cool skin, altered mental status) and for any obvious bleeding. If major bleeding is present, apply direct pressure with dressings, pack wounds, or use a tourniquet as needed to control it. Then continue rapid transport and monitor for signs of shock, while keeping the patient warm. Administering fluids or documenting the scene don’t take precedence over stopping a potentially fatal bleed, so addressing circulation first is essential.