Head to Toe Examinations

Candidates in enrolled in a standard first aid courses will learn to do a head-to-toe examination. Rescuers do this examination to determine whether there are other injuries or complicating factors to the emergency. The following is a detailed description of a head-to-toe examination that a candidate of  a workplace approved standard first aid class or re-certification is required to perform:

Self Protection Must be Applied in Head-to-toe examination

 head-to-toe checks initially on CPR
Candidates should practice head-to-toe checks initially on CPR mannequins.

It is important for rescuers to have a personal safety assessment prior to performing a head-to-toe examination. Disposable gloves should be worn and rescuers should take preventative measures to prevent any cross-contamination by washing hands with warm water and soap for at least 1 minute. Dry your hands thoroughly afterward. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only. Take a standard first aid course to receive hands-on training on how to do a head-to-toe check.

The rescuer must assess in Head-to-toe examination:

The Scalp for:

  • Bumps
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Bruises
The Nose and Mouth for
  • Breathing – quality
  • Odors – alcoholic and poisonous
  • Blood and other fluids
The Eyes for
  • Pupils – equal and reactive to light (PEARL)
  • Bruising around eyes
The Ears for
  • Fluids – blood, etc.
  • Bruises
Neck and Base of Skull for
  • Bumps
  • Bruises
  • Identification tags – necklaces
Collarbone and Shoulders for
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry (with opposing side)
Ribs for:
  • Ability to expand and contract lungs
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry
Abdomen for:
  • Rigidity
  • Bruising
  • Distension
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
Arms for:
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry
Wrists for:
  • Identification (bracelets or medical alert tags)
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry

Hands for:

  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry
  • Reaction to pain
Spine for:
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Swelling

Pelvis for:

  • Symmetry
  • Stability

Groin For:

  • Bladder control
  • Bleeding
Fingers for:
  • Return of blood to fingers after squeezing (capillary reaction)
  • Bruises
  • Bumps and swelling
  • Temperature
  • Colour
  • Moisture
Legs for:
  • Bruises
  • Bumps
  • Symmetry
  • Range of Motion
  • Ability to Move

Toes for:

  • Capillary reaction (return of blood when squeezed)
  • Bruises
  • Temperature
  • Swelling

Feet for:

  • Reaction to Pain
  • Strength
  • Range of motion
  • Identification (medical information)
  • Symmetry
  • Colour
  • Temperature

Whether in a full first aid course or a re-certification course candidates must know how to complete a head-to-toe examination in a standard first aid course. It is an essential part of the secondary survey and victim assessment. It gives the rescuer a better understanding of the emergency regardless if the victim is conscious or unconscious. Register for a first aid course today and learn to do head-to-toe examinations. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only, take a workplace approved standard first aid course to learn first aid.

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