STAGES OF PRE-HOSPITAL CARE

The six stages of pre-hospital care as follows :

Stage 1
Survey of the scene/approach
Look, listen, think, act
Check for dangers to yourself and patients
Assess number of casualties
Is back up required
Other services present or required
Consider mechanism of injury
Establish priorities

Stage 2
Primary Survey :
Rapid assessment of the patient to identify and treat those condition that present an immediate threat to life
Airway - ensure an open airway
Breathing - ensure that the patient is breathing
Circulation - check the adequacy of the circulation
Start CPR for cardiac arrest
Control severe haemorrhage
Consider mechanism of injury, if a cervical injury is suspected, manage accordingly

Stage 3
Secondary survey :
Closer look at the scene
Gain a comprehensive history
Physical assessment
Assess and record vital signs

Stage 4
Patient management/transport :
Appropriate patient care
Wound care
Fracture management
Transport

Stage 5
Reassessment :
Ongoing re-evaluation of the patient’s condition - ask yourself :
Was my treatment successful?
Is there any more I can do?
Have I missed anything?
Is the patient condition changing?
Do I require further assisstance?
Do I need to notify the hospital?

Stage 6
Pre - allert :
Inform medical facility or treatment centre if necessary