Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

2 PREmergency Scene Management

Respirations Airway and breathing are checked again as they were in the Primary Assessment. Breathing is further assessed by checking rate, rhythm and depth. Rate – How many breaths per minute - (see “normal breathing rates chart on the next page). Count how many breaths for 30 seconds and multiply by two. This may be done by observing the patient or by placing your hand on the abdomen to feel the motion of chest rise and fall. Rhythm – Is the breathing even, constant, and regular or is it changing speed and irregular? Does the patient hold their breath or gasp? Depth – Are breaths normal, shallow, or deep? How much effort is the patient using to breathe?

PREMERGENCY SCENE MANAGEMENT Scene Assessment Primary Assessment Secondary Assessment Patient History Vital Signs LOC Respirations - Breathing • Rate • Rhythm • Depth Pulse - Heart Rate / Skin Condition • Colour • Condition • Temperature Secondary Scan Care Ongoing Care / Transport Hand-Off and Documentation

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