On the Field and Off the Field Evaluation
There are two types of evaluation, on the field (or primary) and off the field (secondary). Primary "on the field" evaluations are used to initally determine the existence of potentially life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or spinal injuries. Once the athlete is declare safe to transport and clear of any life-threatening conditions, they are brough off the field, court, or mat and evaluated further during the secondary "off the field" evaluation.
From: http://sportsplusbayarea.com/athletic-training/
What happens during a primary evaluation?
Life threatening injuries take the precenence over all other injuries. Situations that are considered life-threatening include: airway obstruction, lack of breathing, lack of circulation, profuse breathing, and shock.
The first step is always to check the level of consciousness of the patient. If the patient is unconsious, you want to stabilize the cervical spine and perform CPR. You also want to immediate activiate EMS. For more detail on CPR, take a look at our Acute Care: CPR tab.
If you have a conscious patient who has a life-threatening condition, activate EMS and transport to the hospital as soon as possible for further care. Spineboard if a spinal injury is suspected.
If you have a conscious patient and no life-threatening condition is suspected, transport off the field and continue your secondary evaluation on the sidelines or in the athletic training room.
What happens during a secondary evaluation?
A secondary evaluation looked at the history of injuries, mechanism of injury, vital signs, and muscoskelatal abnormalities. For specific evaluative techniques for the thoracic, abdominal, and reproductive areas, see our pathology & diagnosis tab.
(Prentice, 2010)
From: Principles of Athletic Training by William Prentice pg. 304