Secondary Survey in First Aid: Complete Head-to-Toe Assessment Guide

The secondary survey is a systematic, detailed examination performed after the primary survey (ABCDE) has addressed immediate life threats and the casualty is stable. Its goal is to identify all other injuries or medical conditions.

Secondary Survey Steps

1. Medical History (AMPLE): Allergies, Medications, Past illnesses, Last meal, Events leading up.
2. Vital Signs: Pulse, respirations, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation.
3. Head & Face: Inspect/palpate for trauma, bleeding, asymmetry, skull depressions.
4. Neck: Check for tenderness, deformity, jugular venous distension; assess range of motion cautiously.
5. Chest & Lungs: Look for paradoxical movement; auscultate for abnormal breath sounds.
6. Abdomen: Palpate for tenderness, guarding, distension, bruising (Cullen’s/Grey Turner’s signs).
7. Pelvis: Compress iliac crests and pubic symphysis for stability; assess for pain.
8. Extremities: Check pulses, sensation, movement; look for deformities, swelling, compartment syndrome signs.
9. Neurological: Level of consciousness (AVPU/GCS), pupil response, orientation, focal deficits.
10. Psychosocial: Assess emotional state; provide reassurance and psychological first aid.

Document findings, communicate with the care team, and prioritize treatment by severity.