Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

2 PREmergency Scene Management

First Aider in Action: Part 4 As you wait for the paramedics you decide to start the secondary assessment. Dylan has appeared alert throughout the incident, but you still take the time to ensure his orientation with person, place, time, and event questions. Dylan responds to these questions without trouble. Next you check his respirations and observe that his breathing is regular, of normal depth, and 18 respirations a minute.

Although initially you have a bit of trouble finding his radial pulse, by sliding your fingers back and forth a bit you soon locate a strong and regular 92 beats per minute. Although clearly in pain, Dylan is talking and responding to you. He appears aware with an unaltered mental state, has a patent airway, and is breathing normally. As you record Dylan’s vital signs, you consider whether further assessment is needed. 1. Why are vital signs important? 2. If you don’t have writing tools, what are other ways of recording a patient’s vital signs?

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