Chapter 11, Patient Assessment

Upon completion of this chapter and related course assignments, students will be able to form a field impression using scene and patient assessment findings that are integrated with epidemiological and pathophysiological knowledge. They will be able to identify the components of the patient assessment process and describe the essential actions or steps within each. Students will be able to use determination of mechanism of injury (MOI) and nature of illness (NOI) to differentiate between trauma and medical patients. They will be able to discuss how to protect personal safety by identifying potential scene hazards, precautions that should be followed, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be worn during an EMS event. Students will be able to explain the importance of identification and treatment of life threats as well as whether immediate transport is needed. They will be able to describe and demonstrate assessment skills used throughout the process and explain the significance of specific findings as it applies to the determination of whether a patient is sick or not sick. Students will be able to identify various devices used to monitor patient condition as well as the importance of reassessment of condition and interventions applied. They will be able to discuss challenges to and strategies used during the history-taking process. Students will be able to apply clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, modify assessments accordingly, and formulate a treatment plan for patients.