References
The revision of the primary survey: a 2011 review
Abstract
This article outlines changes that have been made to the patient assessment primary survey for ambulance staff that was adopted by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST). It provides a brief history of the airway, breathing and circulation approach (ABC), and the transition to (C) ABCDE undertaken in 2007, following the publication of the paper by
The original ‘ABC’ protocol was developed to provide an aide memoir for first aiders to use when dealing with a patient. It encompassed the mnemonic for airway, breathing and circulation (‘ABC’); and provided the process to be used when caring for an unconscious or unresponsive patient.
Some aspects of coronary pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been in place since the 18th century, with various methods implemented throughout history; however, it was in 1957 when Peter Safar wrote his book ‘ABC’ of Resuscitation that provided the basic aspects of future CPR training, and demonstrated the use of mnemonics for creating a standardized approach to teaching and learning (Mitka, 2003).
Ambulance primary survey concepts have evolved following little structure, other than those used in CPR. Paramedics were historically taught to treat conditions, signs and symptoms rather than using a structured approach to patient assessment. Much of their training was focused on understanding physical signs and symptoms, and linking these to likely causation conditions.
Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice
Thank you for visiting the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.
What's included
-
CPD Focus
-
Develop your career
-
Stay informed