Secondary Survey

Undertake a SECONDARY SURVEY when:

    • 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.

signs and symptoms

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.

secondary assessment

  • Continue to monitor breathing, pulse, colour, warmth and movement.

casulty

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.

first aid kits