b'Assessment PrinciplesChapter hapterAfter you have made sure the scene is safe from any danger you need to make an assessment of the patients condition. The following three principles apply:HistoryThis is the full story of how the incident happened, how the illness began and progressed or how the injury was sustained.Ask questionsWhat happened? Do you have any illnesses or are you on any medication?History can come from the patient, surroundings or bystanders who may have witnessed the incident. He had a fall or She bumped her head on the play equipment or He was tackled and I heard his leg go crack!SignsThese are details of the patients condition that you can see, hear, feel or smell. You may seeMedical Alert Bracelet/ChainThis information device may reveal information about a pre-existing health condition such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or a severe allergy, etc. This information may help explain what has happened and assist with first aid management.Burns, wounds, swelling, foreign bodies, anxiety & painful expression, sweating.You may feel Dampness, elevated body temperature, grating bone ends.You may hear A sucking chest wound, noisy or distressed breathing, response to touchor speech.You may smellAlcohol, burning, gases or fumes, incontinence.SymptomsThese are sensations that the patient feels and tells you about: pain, heat, cold, thirst, tingling feelings, loss of movement, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, weakness, blurred vision.AssessmentWhen you combine the history, signs and symptoms it is possible to make an assessment.Example:HistoryHe was struck by a passing motor vehicle.SignsHis lower leg bone is at an angle and protruding through the skin.The leg is bleeding severely and he looks very pale.SymptomsHe is in a lot of pain and he is feeling sick.AssessmentOpen fracture of the lower leg.Introduction to First Aid 15'