PHYSICAL EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES_010931.pptx

This is a PowerPoint presentation on Physical examination techniques for EME and healthcare providers

1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES JOSEPH ALAO

2. Physical examination techniques are a crucial component of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), enabling providers to assess patients' conditions and make informed decisions about their care. This lecture will delve into physical examination techniques in EMS, covering the introduction, approach, and overview, as well as the comprehensive examination, anatomical regions Exposition

3. Introduction Physical examination is a systematic evaluation of a patient's physical characteristics and physiological responses. In EMS, physical examination techniques help providers quickly identify potential life threats, assess injury severity, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

4. Scene Survey This is a ssessing the immediate environment where an incident has occurred to identify risks and ensure safety before medical can be given to the patients. The components of scene size-up require simultaneous assessment and include the review of dispatch information, identification of the number of patients, identification of mechanism of injury or nature of illness, resource determination, standard precautions determination, and assessment of scene safety.

5. Physical Exam: Approach & Overview The physical examination begins with a general impression of the patient's overall appearance, followed by a systematic evaluation of each anatomical region. EMS providers should use a structured approach, such as the HEAD-TO-TOE method, to ensure a thorough examination.

6. Physical Exam Techniques Inspection (visual evaluation) Palpation (feeling with the hands) Percussion (tapping to assess resonance or sound) Auscultation (listening with a stethoscope)

7. Anatomical Regions Head and Neck Thorax (chest and Lungs) Abdomen Pelvis Upper and Lower extremities Musculoskeletal System Neurological System

8. Physical Exams Discussions…

9. External learning material https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE0SakAEhDs Let’s watch

10. Documentation Example of a recorded examination finding in EMS: "Patient presents with chest pain. Vital signs: BP 140/90 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 24 breaths/min. Lung sounds clear to auscultation. No signs of trauma or injury noted. Patient reports chest pain radiating to arm, 8/10 in severity. No complaints of nausea or vomiting. Assessment: Acute coronary syndrome suspected. Plan: Transport to hospital for further evaluation and treatment."