Responsive Medical Patients
For responsive patients, gather history first with OPQRST and SAMPLE, then perform a physical exam focused on the chief complaint. Add vital signs and any needed diagnostic tools such as glucometry.
Unresponsive Medical Patients
For unresponsive patients, perform a rapid head-to-toe exam, obtain baseline vitals, and gather history from bystanders and medical alert tags. Consider causes such as hypoglycemia, overdose, stroke, and seizure.
Reassessment
Repeat the primary survey, vital signs, and the focused complaint at least every 5 minutes for unstable patients and every 15 minutes for stable ones. Check the effect of every intervention and adjust care accordingly.