What does the acronym AVPU stand for?

The acronym AVPU stands for "Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive." This system is used to quickly assess a patient's level of consciousness.

• "Alert" indicates that the person is fully awake and responsive.

• "Verbal" indicates that the person responds appropriately to verbal stimuli, such as questions or commands.

• "Pain" means that the person does not respond to verbal stimuli but does respond to painful stimuli, such as a gentle pinch or pressure.

• "Unresponsive" means that the person shows no response to any stimuli, whether verbal or painful.

This assessment tool is essential in emergency scenarios, as it helps responders quickly categorize the level of consciousness and prioritize medical interventions based on the patient's condition. Understanding AVPU allows ski patrol members to evaluate injured or unresponsive individuals effectively and provide appropriate assistance.