What should be your primary focus when assessing an elderly patient after a fall?

When assessing an elderly patient after a fall, the primary focus should be on airway, breathing, and circulation (often referred to as the ABCs). In any emergency situation, especially after a fall, it is crucial to ensure that the patient's airway is clear, they are breathing adequately, and their circulation is stable. This triage approach helps prioritize immediate life-threatening conditions.

Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to complications, such as head injuries or internal bleeding, that may not be immediately apparent. By ensuring that airway, breathing, and circulation are stable first, you establish a foundation for further assessment and care.

While obtaining vital signs and gathering medical history are important components of the overall assessment, they come after ensuring that the patient's fundamental physiological needs are met. Similarly, transport decisions should be based on the stability of the patient's condition and whether immediate medical intervention is required on-scene or during transport.