1. Principles of Patient Assessment in EMS By: Bob Elling, MPA, EMT-P & Kirsten Elling, BS, EMT-P

2. Chapter 22 – Putting it All Together © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

3. Objectives Provide examples of an EMS provider’s role in patient advocacy. Provide examples of an EMS provider’s role in patient advocacy. Demonstrate how the patient assessment algorithm is an essential tool for the EMS provider to use in the field. Demonstrate how the patient assessment algorithm is an essential tool for the EMS provider to use in the field. © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

4. Introduction Patient advocacy is an important component of care. Patient advocacy is an important component of care. Review the process of assessment as a whole. Review the process of assessment as a whole. © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

5. Patient Advocacy It is the EMS provider’s responsibility to advocate for the patient and the patient’s needs. It is the EMS provider’s responsibility to advocate for the patient and the patient’s needs. An example of patient advocacy is telling the the ED staff what the scene looked like. An example of patient advocacy is telling the the ED staff what the scene looked like. Relate the MOI or provide a photo. Relate the MOI or provide a photo. © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

6. Prehospital interventions for the patient often provide dramatic improvements, which could rapidly deteriorate once in the ED if you do not impress upon the staff the patient’s initial condition. Prehospital interventions for the patient often provide dramatic improvements, which could rapidly deteriorate once in the ED if you do not impress upon the staff the patient’s initial condition. Advocating for your patient means making sure the next caregiver understands what has been seen and learned about the patient so far. Advocating for your patient means making sure the next caregiver understands what has been seen and learned about the patient so far. Patient Advocacy © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

7. Putting it All Together Apply the patient assessment algorithm. Apply the patient assessment algorithm. Remember that assessment is a standarized, yet dynamic process, as a patient’s condition improves or deteriorates. Remember that assessment is a standarized, yet dynamic process, as a patient’s condition improves or deteriorates. © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

8. A standarized approach helps to assure the patient receives an appropriate assessment based on the following key factors: A standarized approach helps to assure the patient receives an appropriate assessment based on the following key factors: The environment The environment MOI or NOI MOI or NOI Severity of injury or illness Severity of injury or illness Level of care available Level of care available Putting it All Together © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

9. Putting it All Together Reassessment is an essential component of care. Reassessment is an essential component of care. Modify your plan of management as the patient’s condition warrants. Modify your plan of management as the patient’s condition warrants. © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

10. Conclusion Practice using the assessment tools provided here to gain proficiency and confidence. Practice using the assessment tools provided here to gain proficiency and confidence. Follow the patient assessment algorithm on a routine basis with all your patients. Follow the patient assessment algorithm on a routine basis with all your patients. Thanks for your dedication to helping ill and injured people! Thanks for your dedication to helping ill and injured people! © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc.