As prehospital healthcare providers, our ability to quickly assess a patient’s condition and make informed decisions can alter the patient’s outcome. That’s where basic observations come into play. These fundamental measurements, such as vital signs and pain assessments, serve as the cornerstone of our assessment process, providing critical information about a patient’s overall health status.

In this series of articles, we delve into the world of basic observations from a prehospital perspective. We will explore the various challenges faced by prehospital healthcare providers, examine the critical components of assessment, and highlight the latest advancements and best practices in basic observations. Through these articles, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in basic observations.