What are the three basic components of patient assessment?

The three basic components of patient assessment include scene size-up, primary assessment, and secondary assessment.

Scene size-up is crucial as it allows the EMT to evaluate the environment and any potential hazards before approaching the patient. This includes gaining an understanding of the overall situation, the mechanism of injury, and the number of patients present, which informs the EMT's approach and ensures safety for both the responders and the patient.

The primary assessment follows and focuses on identifying any life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. During this phase, the EMT checks the patient's responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation. This systematic approach ensures critical issues are addressed swiftly.

Lastly, the secondary assessment takes a more detailed look at the patient's condition, including a thorough physical examination and obtaining the patient's medical history. This component is essential for uncovering non-life-threatening injuries or conditions that require treatment and planning for transport.

In contrast, concepts like triage, treatment, or notification might occur in different contexts within emergency response but do not represent the foundational components of conducting a thorough patient assessment. Understanding these basic components allows EMTs to provide effective and timely care in emergency situations.