MBBS · Emergency Medicine

Primary survey concept

The primary survey is a repeatable framework for identifying and addressing immediately life-threatening problems while ensuring team safety and timely escalation.

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Primary survey concept — learning map

Original conceptual SVG · scalable
LABELED RELATIONSHIP MAP · SCHEMATIC, NOT TO SCALEAirwaypatency and protectionBreathingventilation and oxygenationCirculationperfusion and bleedingDisability and exposureneurology and examinationPrimary survey conceptKEY RELATIONSHIPS

Original schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.

Concept 01

Airway

Assess whether air can move through the upper airway and whether protective reflexes are adequate, using trained clinical assessment and local emergency protocols.

Concept 02

Breathing

Observe respiratory effort and chest movement, assess oxygenation in context and recognize potentially critical ventilation problems.

Concept 03

Circulation

Assess pulse, perfusion, external hemorrhage and hemodynamic status; treatment decisions require the clinical team and appropriate monitoring.

Concept 04

Disability and exposure

Screen consciousness and neurological status, evaluate relevant glucose when appropriate and expose sufficiently to detect injuries while preventing heat loss.

Education / safety note: This conceptual overview does not replace accredited basic or advanced life support training; use emergency services for an acutely unwell patient.

Reference and next reading

Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.

Official / publisher source: NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗Official / publisher source: NCBI Bookshelf ↗Official / publisher source: PubMed ↗