Primary Survey

The primary survey includes the inital assessment and the resuscitation phase. The intial steps may be revealed through the mnemonic ABCDE.

Airway with cervical C spine control

Breathing and ventilation

Circulation and hemorrhage

Disability and dysfunction

Exposure and environment control

In the event that the patient arrives conscious and able to talk, the nurse and trauma team while assessing the patient may also collect a focused verbal history. The menomic AMPLE can be followed in this focused history.

Allergies

Medications

Pertinent past medical history

Last food/drink

Events leading up to trauma