What is the primary purpose of a secondary assessment?

The primary purpose of a secondary assessment is to gather additional information about the patient’s condition. After the initial assessment, which focuses on identifying immediate life-threatening issues, the secondary assessment allows responders to conduct a more thorough and detailed evaluation of the patient's health status. This includes checking vital signs, assessing the patient's medical history, looking for signs of injury or illness, and gathering information from the patient or bystanders.

Through this process, responders can identify non-life-threatening issues that may require attention and can develop a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s overall condition. This detailed understanding is critical in determining the appropriate treatment and care needed as well as deciding if emergency services are required for further assistance. Properly conducting a secondary assessment ensures that responders do not overlook underlying problems that could worsen if left untreated.