III- Perform physical examination
(secondary survey):
after you have completed the initial assessment and stabilized life- threating conditions.
Check the victim from head to toe to take a closer look at the victim to discover problems that don’t immediately threaten life but may do so if they remain uncorrected.
•This examination consists of a full body assessment with your hands, checking for swelling, depression and/ or deformity. Assume that all unconscious, injured patients have spine injuries and stabilize the head and spine to minimize movement during examination. The first step of the physical examination is to determine vital signs