A much needed break!

Hello Bloggers!
Well, I am now 5 weeks into my program and loving every minute of it! I have never been this busy in my life! Two weeks ago we had our first test in our Patient Care Procedures class. We were required to do a 170 lb. stair chair lift test and our primary surveys. The primary survey test required us to look and feel for any immediate threats to our patents within the first 2:00 minutes of our assessment. I completed the survey in 2:02 seconds which resulted in a fail. I did however successfully complete my stair chair test. The retest date was today (Oct.8th) and I completed my survey in 1:32 seconds. Here is a list of each point that must be mentioned and assessed in my primary survey:

-PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
-EMCA (Environment, Mechonism of Injury, Casualty Number, Additional Resources)
-AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive reactions)
-C-spine (cervical spine immobilization)
-ABC's (Airway, Breathing, Circulation checks)
-Put on Oxygen at 15 lit/min via non-rebreather mask
-Look for JVD (Jugular Vein Distention) and feel for Tracheal Deviation in the neck
-Expose the chest looking for CLAP (Contusions, Lacerations, Abrasions, or Penetrating wounds) Feeling for STICD (Subcutaneous Emphysema, Tenderness, Instability, Crepitus, or Deformities)
-4 Point Auscultation of the chest listening for Full air entry bi-laterally from apex to base with no adventitious sounds
-Abdomen Check for a pulsatile mass, and 4 quadrant check looking for rebound tenderness
-3 point pelvic check with Syn. Pubis
-Gross bleed check along with medical alert bracelets
-Decision to "load and go" or "stay and play"

So that is a full primary survey! So much to learn and that was only in the first 2 weeks! Well, I am glad that I have got a chance to blog finally! It is great to be back in Port Elgin for a break and finally relax for a bit. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! :)