What is the primary purpose of a primary assessment by a First Responder?

The primary purpose of a primary assessment by a First Responder is to identify any life-threatening conditions. This critical initial evaluation is focused on quickly recognizing issues that require immediate attention, such as compromised airways, significant bleeding, or severe cardiac events. By prioritizing the identification of these critical conditions, responders can swiftly take necessary actions to stabilize the patient’s health and ensure their safety.

Other activities that may be relevant to the incident, such as documenting the event or establishing timelines, typically occur after the immediate assessment and intervention. Coordinating with other responders is also important, but it usually follows the initial assessment phase, which emphasizes addressing potentially life-threatening issues as a first priority.