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
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.