Secondary Survey/Assessment — Reference Guide

? Secondary Assessment

Head-to-toe check after the Primary Survey (DRABC) is complete

The Secondary Assessment is a head-to-toe check carried out after the Primary Survey (DRABC) is complete and the casualty is conscious and breathing. It helps identify non-life-threatening injuries and monitor the casualty’s condition.

✅ When to Use the Secondary Assessment

  • After life-threatening conditions are dealt with
  • When the casualty is conscious, breathing, and stable
  • While waiting for emergency services or making a transport decision

? Two Parts of the Secondary Assessment

1. History Taking (SAMPLE)

Ask questions to gather information using the SAMPLE acronym:

Letter Meaning Example Questions
S Signs & Symptoms What can you see? How do they feel?
A Allergies Do you have any allergies?
M Medications Are you on any medication? What for?
P Past Medical History Have you had this problem before? Any ongoing conditions?
L Last Meal When did you last eat or drink?
E Events Leading Up What were you doing when it happened?

2. Head-to-Toe Physical Check

Explain what you're doing and check for bleeding, swelling, deformity, or pain:

? Head and Neck

  • Look for wounds, swelling, fluid from ears/nose
  • Check eyes, pupils, and signs of head injury
  • Ask about neck pain or stiffness

? Shoulders, Chest, and Arms

  • Look for equal movement in chest (breathing)
  • Gently feel collarbones and ribs
  • Check arms and hands for injuries or unusual temperatures

? Abdomen and Hips

  • Check for pain, swelling, or rigidity
  • Ask if they feel sick or have abdominal pain

? Legs and Feet

  • Check for injuries, movement, sensation, and circulation
  • Ask them to wiggle toes and move ankles
  • Look for pale or blue skin and swelling

✏️ Record and Monitor

  • Note all findings (injuries, complaints, vital signs)
  • Reassess if the casualty’s condition changes
  • Report findings to emergency responders

Related Topics

Further Information

Google Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 (406 reviews)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Chris was such a great trainer for our one-day course. Informative, attentive and friendly! Learned so much and helped i…”

Adam Dixon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend this course! The training was clear, engaging, and very well structured. The instructor was professio…”

Ewelina
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I highly recommend the one-day First Aid at Work course that I attended at Caroline House, as part of a group from our s…”

Krysia Grzywinska
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“It was a wonderful course for learning first aid knowledge. The teacher's lively and engaging lessons made us learn in a…”

Sofia Lu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I attended the three‑day First Aid at Work course with Sarah and had a brilliant experience. Sarah was friendly and appr…”

Gwendolen D’Adamo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Absolutely fantastic 3 days with Sarah! From coming in the first day was made to feel welcome!! Nothing was to small or …”

Natalie Costello
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The course was held at my workplace on a Saturday, it was interesting,informative and very educational - I now feel conf…”

dee godleman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Highly recommended First Aid at Work Course. Well structured, informative and provides a good skill set to not only use…”

Connor Tickle
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I had a great experience with the first aid training. Sarah was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the course.…”

M Hassan