The Initial Assessment
Understanding the conscious state of your patient is a quick process. When someone in a public space is visibly distressed or injured, reach out to them.
Take Note
Assessing the safety of the scene is important before approaching the patient and beginning the ACLS or BLS Survey.
When addressing a patient who is “down,” you must first assess whether or not they are conscious.
If the individual is unconscious, then start with the BLS Survey
and move on to the ACLS Survey .If they are conscious and responsive, obtain consent to provide care and continue assessment and questioning to determine the next steps.