During a secondary survey, which information should you gather to assist EMS?

During a secondary survey, which information should you gather to assist EMS?

• A. Only the victim's location.
• B. Document injuries, note symptoms, and gather medical history including allergies and medications.
• C. Ignore vital signs.
• D. Only the victim's age.

Answer: (B)

During the secondary survey, the goal is to gather information that helps EMS understand the patient’s current condition and plan further care. The best information to collect is documentation of injuries, notes on symptoms the patient reports or you observe, and the medical history including allergies and medications. This combination gives EMS a complete picture: what’s damaged, what symptoms are present, and any conditions or medicines that could affect treatment or safety—such as drug allergies or the need for particular medications or precautions. This information also supports a smooth handoff to hospital staff, guiding assessments and interventions on arrival. Locating the patient or age alone doesn’t reveal the full picture, and neglecting vital signs would miss important indicators of stability or deterioration.

During the secondary survey, the goal is to gather information that helps EMS understand the patient’s current condition and plan further care. The best information to collect is documentation of injuries, notes on symptoms the patient reports or you observe, and the medical history including allergies and medications. This combination gives EMS a complete picture: what’s damaged, what symptoms are present, and any conditions or medicines that could affect treatment or safety—such as drug allergies or the need for particular medications or precautions. This information also supports a smooth handoff to hospital staff, guiding assessments and interventions on arrival. Locating the patient or age alone doesn’t reveal the full picture, and neglecting vital signs would miss important indicators of stability or deterioration.