WHAT IS THE

DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS?
Signs are details
discovered by
applying your senses –
sight, touch, hearing
and smell during the
course of examination.
BLEEDING
SWELLING
DEFORMITIES
However, symptoms
are sensations that
the victim feels or
experiences and
may be able to
EXAMPLES:

NAUSEA
VOMITING
HEAT
IMPAIRED
SENSATIONS
 
PRIMARY
SURVEY
Primary survey of the
victim is used when
the victim is
unconscious and to
find out and
immediately treat life-
threatening conditions.
A. CHECK FOR CONSCIOUSNESS
 1. Ask the victim: “hey, hey are
you okay?” while carefully
shaking the victim’s
shoulder.
 2. When there is no response,
not even mumbles or groans,
the victim is unconscious and in
need of immediate medical help.
 B. OPEN THE AIRWAY
1. The victim’s
 

unconsciousness may be due

to an obstruction in his/her
airway. It may also be caused
by a narrowed airway making
breathing impossible.
2. Find out if there is loss of
muscular control in the throat
area which allows the tongue to
slip back and block the throat.
3. Lift the chin and tilt the head
of the victim (if the victim is
adult). This way you will be able
to lift the tongue from the back
of the throat, leaving the airway
clear.
C. CHECK FOR BREATHING

 1. Put your face near the

victim’s mouth and look,
listen and feel for breathing.
- Chest movement, sound
of breathing, or feel of
breath on your cheek.
D. CHECK FOR CIRCULATION

 1. Locate pulse using your

middle and index finger.
Pulse indicates blood
circulation which is essential
for the heart and brain
function.
2. Poor blood circulation
may be reflected on the
pale color of the skin. This
is fatal.
3. To revive circulation,
perform CPR immediately.