What is the focus of the secondary assessment?

The focus of the secondary assessment is to evaluate all body systems for further injuries. This phase is crucial in providing a comprehensive evaluation after life-threatening conditions have been addressed during the primary assessment. During the secondary assessment, the EMT systematically examines the patient, checking for signs and symptoms of injury or illness that may not be immediately apparent. This thorough evaluation helps in identifying any additional injuries that require attention and contributes to a holistic approach to patient care.

While stabilizing life-threatening conditions and providing immediate life support are essential parts of emergency care, they are addressed primarily during the primary assessment. Gathering a detailed medical history is certainly an important aspect of patient assessment, but it is typically performed in conjunction with the secondary assessment rather than being its main focus. The secondary assessment’s primary objective is to ensure that no injuries are overlooked, which is critical for effective treatment and management of the patient’s condition.