Ace the Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam 2025 – Sprint to Success and Save Lives!

The primary survey in emergency care is a critical first step in the assessment of a patient who may be experiencing a life-threatening condition. The focus of this step is to rapidly identify and address immediate threats to life, which revolves around a clear systematic approach often summarized as the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

Airway assessment involves ensuring that the airway is unobstructed, as any blockage can lead to hypoxia and can be life-threatening. Following this, an evaluation of breathing is essential to determine if the patient is adequately ventilating and receiving oxygen. Finally, circulation is assessed to ensure that blood is flowing effectively throughout the body, which is crucial for maintaining perfusion to vital organs.

This triad of assessment within the primary survey serves to prioritize interventions and stabilize the patient before any further history or environmental factors are considered. Thus, recognizing the significance of airway, breathing, and circulation as a key part of the primary survey is vital for any emergency responder.