What is the purpose of a Primary Survey in patient assessment?

The purpose of a Primary Survey in patient assessment is to identify and treat immediate life-threatening conditions. This initial assessment is crucial in emergency situations because it allows EMTs to quickly evaluate the patient's airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. By focusing on these critical areas first, EMTs can prioritize interventions that stabilize the patient and address any imminent threats to life, such as obstructed airways or major bleeding. This systematic approach ensures that the most critical issues are dealt with immediately, potentially improving the patient's outcome.

While conducting a thorough medical history review, gathering information about the patient's medication, and performing a physical examination are important components of overall patient assessment, they typically occur after the Primary Survey and are not the primary focus during this initial critical assessment phase.