How Do You Complete A Head-To-Toe Assessment Of An Injury?
Completing a head-to-toe assessment on an injured person is a necessary first-aid step after an accident of any kind. When headache, confusion, dizziness, and nausea and vomiting are present, especially after a head trauma, it’s essential that an available coach, parent or medical professional complete a first-aid head-to-toe assessment to evaluate the need for additional medical treatment. Determine if it’s safe to approach the injured person. If so, check the breathing, airway and circulation before performing the head-to-toe assessment. If the person can speak, check the person’s orientation by asking him to provide simple information such as his name, age and location. Observe the injured person’s head and scalp for open wounds, bumps or bleeding. Likewise, check for straw-colored fluid leaking from the nose or ears, or for blue lips, which indicate a lack of oxygen. Listen for signs of abnormal breathing and look for the reaction of pupil dilation. Evaluate the person’s speech for
