What is the purpose of secondary assessments?

The purpose of secondary assessments is to discover hidden injuries. This process occurs after an initial assessment has been completed and basic life-threatening conditions have been checked and managed. During a secondary assessment, the focus shifts to identifying any injuries or medical issues that may not be immediately apparent, especially in cases of trauma or when a patient's condition may not be stable.

This thorough examination involves checking the patient's entire body, asking about symptoms, and evaluating specific areas of concern, which allows responders to provide more comprehensive care and make informed decisions about further treatment or transportation. The secondary assessment is critical for ensuring that all injuries are identified and addressed appropriately, leading to better outcomes for the patient.

Performing CPR, assessing vital signs only, and stabilizing the patient are important actions, but they are either part of the initial assessment or first aid responses rather than the specific goal of a secondary assessment.