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When a workplace injury happens, a first aid attendant is responsible for providing immediate care—but sometimes, that’s only the beginning. In many situations, a Transportation Endorsement (TE) first aid attendant must also safely transport the injured worker to a medical facility.
To make sure every step of patient care and transport is handled correctly, first aid attendants use the Priority Action Approach—a structured, step-by-step method for assessing injuries, providing lifesaving care, and making transport decisions.
Let’s break down the Priority Action Approach and how it applies to transporting injured workers safely and effectively.
What is the Priority Action Approach?
The Priority Action Approach is a systematic process that helps first aid attendants with a Transportation Endorsement manage workplace injuries and ensure proper care during patient transport.
This method is especially critical for patient transportation, as it ensures:
✅ Life-threatening conditions are addressed immediately.
✅ The best transport method is chosen based on the injury.
✅ Patient care continues throughout transport.
The four steps of the Priority Action Approach are:
1️⃣ Scene Assessment
2️⃣ Primary Survey with Critical Interventions
3️⃣ Transportation Decision
4️⃣ Secondary Survey
While basic first aid attendants focus on the first few steps, a Transportation Endorsement course teaches how to integrate all four steps into safe patient transport.
How to Apply the Priority Action Approach to Patient Transport
Let’s take a closer look at each step of the Priority Action Approach and how it applies to safe transportation of injured workers.
Step 1: Scene Assessment 🚨
Before approaching the patient, first aid attendants must assess the scene for hazards and determine the severity of the situation.
✅ Identify Hazards – Check for dangers such as unstable structures, traffic, electrical hazards, or chemical exposure.
✅ Determine What Happened – Understanding the mechanism of injury helps determine the severity of potential trauma (e.g., a fall from height vs. a slip on a flat surface).
✅ Count Injured Workers – Prioritize care if multiple workers are injured.
Step 2: Primary Survey & Critical Interventions ⛑️
Once the scene is safe, the Primary Survey focuses on identifying life-threatening conditions and providing immediate critical interventions.
🔹 Airway (A): Ensure the patient’s airway is clear and open. If unconscious, use the head-tilt chin-lift technique.
🔹 Breathing (B): Check for adequate breathing. Look, listen, and feel for airflow for 5–10 seconds.
🔹 Circulation (C): Assess for signs of shock (cool, clammy skin) and control any major bleeding immediately.
👉 Critical Interventions: Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding, stabilize fractures, and prepare the patient for transport if necessary.
Step 3: Transportation Decision 🚑
After stabilizing the patient, the Transportation Endorsement first aid attendant must determine:
✅ What level of medical care is needed?
- Should the patient return to work, be referred to a medical clinic, or require immediate transport to a hospital?
✅ What is the safest mode of transportation?
- Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV) vs. Ambulance – Consider injury severity, distance to care, and available resources.
- Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR) – If spinal injury is suspected, the patient must be secured with a rigid collar, spine board, or scoop stretcher.
✅ Are the right people and equipment in place?
- Ensure that the transport team knows their roles, the ETV driver is ready, and all necessary equipment is available.
Step 4: Secondary Survey 🔍
Once the patient is stable and transport is arranged, a secondary survey is conducted to gather additional medical information:
🔹 Vital Signs – Measure pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rate (if trained to do so).
🔹 Patient History – Ask about pre-existing conditions, allergies, or medications.
🔹 Head-to-Toe Examination – Check for hidden injuries that may not have been obvious during the Primary Survey.
Integrating the Priority Action Approach During Transport
A first aid attendant’s job doesn’t end once transport begins—care continues throughout the journey.
🚑 Reassess the patient’s condition every five minutes and whenever there’s a change.
🚑 Monitor for signs of deterioration and adjust treatment if needed.
🚑 Communicate with the next level of care (paramedics, hospital staff) about the injury, treatments provided, and estimated arrival time.
🚑 Document all actions taken for future reference and compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations.
How the Priority Action Approach Works in Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Conscious Patient with Spinal Injury
🔹 Stabilize the head and neck immediately.
🔹 Apply a rigid collar and use a scoop stretcher or spine board.
🔹 Secure the patient for safe transport with spinal motion restriction (SMR).
Scenario 2: Unconscious Patient
🔹 Ensure the patient has a clear airway (head-tilt chin-lift).
🔹 Place them in the ¾-prone (recovery position).
🔹 Use a scoop stretcher to maintain positioning during transport.
Scenario 3: Patient with Chest Pain
🔹 Place the patient in a position of comfort (unless spinal injury is suspected).
🔹 Monitor breathing and circulation closely.
🔹 Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary—if the patient goes into cardiac arrest, pull over and begin resuscitation efforts immediately.
Key Takeaways for First Aid Attendants with a Transportation Endorsement
✔️ The Priority Action Approach is the foundation for all first aid and transport decisions.
✔️ Scene safety is always the first priority.
✔️ Address life-threatening conditions (ABC’s) before transport.
✔️ Choose the safest and most appropriate transport method.
✔️ Communicate effectively with paramedics or hospital staff.
✔️ Reassess the patient regularly throughout transport.
✔️ Be ready to adjust care based on the patient’s condition.
By following the Priority Action Approach, Transportation Endorsement first aid attendants can confidently manage workplace injuries and ensure injured workers receive the best possible care during transport.
Why a Transportation Endorsement is Essential for Workplace Safety
Having a WorkSafeBC-approved Transportation Endorsement means first aid attendants aren’t just trained in first aid—they’re trained in safe patient transport.
At Fundamental First Aid, we offer the Transportation Endorsement training Vancouver businesses trust to meet WorkSafeBC requirements and keep their workers safe.
🚑 On-site group training available!
🚑 WorkSafeBC-approved certification
🚑 Essential for remote and high-risk workplaces
👉 Get certified today—book your Transportation Endorsement course with Fundamental First Aid!