PATIENT ASSESSMENT Transportation Decision

2  Decision following the primary assessment  Load and Go transport immediately because you have a patient with a life- or limb-threatening condition  Stay and Treat the patient can be fully checked and treated prior to departure

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4 Load And Go  This is the attitude which you develop when a life threatening injury is found  Continue life support  Stabilize any major injuries as quickly as possible  Administer oxygen  Load the patient into a toboggan (preferably on a back board) or other means of transport,  Transport to EMS

5  While waiting for transport, get the patient ready  When transport arrives LOAD the patient and GO to advanced care  Once you have begun this evacuation, you do not have time to complete the secondary assessment, apply extensive splinting or treat minor injuries

6 Load And Go Examples  Airway control problems  Inadequate breathing problems  Circulatory problems including shock, cardiac chest pain or cardiac arrest  Head injury with unconsciousness, decreasing or an altered level of consciousness  Tender, rigid or distended abdomen  Unstable pelvis  Fractured femur  Any other life-threatening injury or condition involving a priority

7 Stay and Treat  If no life threatening injuries are found after primary assessment  STAY and TREAT the patient when transportation arrives, then leave for more hospitable surroundings or further medical attention  Be prepared to change to “Load & Go “ if a change occurs

8 Communication of Severity of Injury  Communicate the condition of the patient and your transportation decision  Request appropriate assistance and equipment  Be concise and accurate  Provide a summary of the abnormal findings of your primary assessment