Pre-reading
Secondary Survey
Undertake a SECONDARY SURVEY when:
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- the casualty is in a safe area
- the casualty is fully conscious and able to respond to your questions, and
- if possible, you have access to a First Aid Kit and applied Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and safety glasses.
Steps to conduct a secondary survey - Look for signs and symptoms of injury or illness.
1. Ask the casualty:
- What happened; how did it happen, when and why did it occur?
- How do they feel now, do they have pain?
- Do they have a known medical condition?
- Do they take any medications?
2. Perform a complete head-to-toe examination:
- Look for anything abnormal.
- Continue to monitor breathing, pulse, colour, warmth and movement.
3. Treat any injuries:
- Control severe blood loss as soon as possible and call 000 or 112.
- Treat other injuries and obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.
