What does the look/listen/feel method assess in a casualty?

The look/listen/feel method is primarily used to assess the airway of a casualty. This assessment is crucial in emergency situations, especially when evaluating a person who may be unconscious or unable to protect their own airway.

During the assessment, looking for signs of breathing, such as chest movements, is essential. Listening for breath sounds close to the mouth and nose can provide information about whether air is moving in and out of the lungs. Finally, feeling for airflow at the mouth can confirm if the airway is open and whether the casualty is breathing. If the airway is obstructed, it is vital to intervene quickly, as maintaining a clear airway is one of the first priorities in trauma care.

While heart rate, pulse, and temperature are important aspects of assessing a patient’s vital signs, they are not directly evaluated through the look/listen/feel method. Thus, this method focuses specifically on airway management, ensuring that breathing is adequate and identifying any potential obstruction that needs to be addressed immediately.