The initial assessment of Hamish will allow baseline observations to be determined which will inform the provisional diagnosis.
- Cannula: Intravenous access allows emergency drugs to be given, blood tests are often taken at the time of cannula insertion. This would normally include full blood count, bio-clinical chemistry and cardiac markers. (See Module 1 for further information about these tests).
- Blood Pressure: To obtain a baseline blood pressure. High or low blood pressure may require urgent treatment.
- Oxygen Saturations: To assess blood oxygen levels to determine whether oxygen therapy is required.
- 12 Lead ECG: To look for signs of ischaemia or infarction .
- Cardiac Monitoring: To assess heart rate and rhythm and monitor for signs of potential life threatening arrhythmias.
- Chest X-Ray: To look for any evidence of cardiac or respiratory pathology.
- Weight/BMI: To allow medical staff to calculate correct doses of medication.
Page last reviewed: 08 Jun 2020
