How to assess a trauma patient on scene
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
This follows the order of the NREMT trauma assessment: life threats first, then a full search for injuries.
Step by step
Scene size-up
Protection, scene safety, mechanism of injury, number of patients, more resources, and manual spine stabilization if needed. [1]
Primary survey
General impression, responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation with bleeding control. Treat each problem. [1]
Transport decision
Decide early if the patient is a priority for rapid transport to a trauma center. [1]
Rapid head-to-toe
Head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, legs, arms and back, looking for DCAP-BTLS: deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling. [1]
Vital signs
Pulse, breathing, blood pressure, saturation and skin. [1]
SAMPLE history
From the patient or bystanders. [1]
Reassess
Every 5 minutes for an unstable patient, every 15 for a stable one. [2]
Common errors
- Spending time on a minor injury before the primary survey.
- Not checking the back.
- Late transport decision.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.