What is the typical sequence of assessment for a sideline evaluation?

• A. Secondary survey followed by primary survey and transport decision
• B. History first, then vitals and palpation
• C. Primary survey (ABCs) followed by secondary survey (history, vitals, palpation, functional tests); decide on transport
• D. Transport decision first, then evaluation

Answer: (C)

The sequence starts with a primary survey to quickly identify and manage life-threatening problems by securing the airway, ensuring adequate breathing, and evaluating circulation, while also controlling severe bleeding and stabilizing the neck if a cervical injury is suspected. Only after those basics are addressed do you move into the secondary survey, which brings in a concise history, objective vital signs, careful palpation of the injured areas, and simple functional tests to assess movement, strength, and stability. The final step is the transport decision, made based on the overall findings—immediate transport for instability or serious injury, or on-field management with monitoring if the athlete is stable. This order ensures that life-threatening conditions are not overlooked and that the need for transport is determined from a complete on-field assessment. Choosing to start with history or to decide transport before finishing the assessment could miss urgent issues, and a full secondary survey typically follows ABCs before deciding how to proceed.