II. Patient Assessment System — Scene Survey

Part 2 of 9: Patient Assessment System – Scene Survey

To survey something is to examine it closely and ascertain the condition. In this system of STOP and Survey, the intent is to take the time to STOP and take a deep breath before closely examining and ascertain the patient’s condition.  A survey is organized in a logical step-by-step process that allows you to gather the information and respond in an orderly manner. 

STOP – SCENE SURVEY: Is the Scene Safe?
 Am I OK, and am I going to stay OK?
 Are the others OK, and are they going to stay OK?
 Is the victim of this crisis OK, and are they going to stay OK?
 What happened? What was the mechanism of injury (MOI)?
 How do I safely approach the victim?
 What is my general impression of how serious this is?

To accomplish all this Scene Survey:
 
1. STOP! Stand still, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “Am I OK?” If not, do something about it! Go

2. STOP! Tell everyone else to STOP, stand still, take a deep breath and ask themselves, “Am I OK?” If not, do something about it! Don’t allow anyone to run off to check the victim or to get help. Go

3. STOP! Is the victim OK? First speak or call out to them, even if you cannot see them or get to them. Ask them if they are alright. Hopefully, they will answer; even if they say that they are not alright, at least you know they are alive, have an open airway, are breathing, and have a pulse. Go

4. STOP! Ask yourself, “What happened?” “What was the mechanism of injury?” Go

5. STOP! Survey the victim’s situation. While figuring out how to safely get to them, keep talking to them, be positive, keep encouraging them, tell them to lie still, that help is on the way. Go

6. STOP! As you approach the victim, survey their position. Ask yourself, “Can they stay where they are, or are they in eminent danger and need to be moved?” Go

7. STOP! What is your impression of the victim. As you approach the victim (they do not become your patient until you lay your hands on them), develop a general impression of how serious the situation seems to be, based on the position they are lying in, how they look, whether they are conscious, bleeding, etc. Go

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