Head to Toe Examination

Once you have taken the casualty’s history and asked about any symptoms, you should carry out a detailed examination, or head-to-toe survey. Use all of your senses when you examine your casualty; look, listen, feel and smell. Start at the casualty’s head and systematically work down. You may need to loosen or remove clothing where necessary to examine effectively. Keep in mind the casualty’s privacy and dignity.

Ensure you are wearing disposable gloves and if necessary a face mask and an apron if you have them. Do not move the casualty more than necessary. If possible, examine the casualty in which you found them, or if their is a more suitable position which suits their condition utilise this.

Activity; Click on the image below to reveal what to look for on a casualty.