ADULT SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT

ALS - 2020 VERSION

Perform rapid assessment

Assess for life-threatening bleeding. If at any

time the patient has life-threatening bleeding,
control the hemorrhage with any available
resource (including the use of tourniquet or Responsive? YES
hemostatic dressing as appropriate).

NO

• Activate EMS, rapid response or resuscitation team

• Check breathing and pulse for no more than 10 sec
• At the same time, scan the body for life-threatening bleeding

Breathing
and pulse?

Not breathing Not breathing

Breathing
(or ineffective ventilation) (or only gasping breaths)
Pulse present
Pulse present No pulse present

Respiratory Arrest*
Cardiac Arrest*
Respiratory Failure*

• Ensure adequate airway • Begin CPR immediately • Perform primary assessment

• Support oxygenation and • Follow Adult Cardiac Arrest (Airway, Breathing,
ventilation as needed (BVM, code card Circulation, Disability,
noninvasive or invasive) Exposure) and emergent/initial
interventions
• Refer to applicable condition-
specific code cards
• Position patient as appropriate
for clinical condition
• Perform secondary assessment
as patient condition allows

• Reassess patient
• Recognize issues
• Provide care as needed

*As appropriate, follow condition-specific code cards.

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