What does the 'S' in the secondary assessment mnemonic stand for?

In the context of secondary assessments during emergency situations, the 'S' in the mnemonic represents "Signs and symptoms." This is crucial because during a secondary assessment, lifeguards and first responders gather additional information beyond the initial observations made in the primary assessment. "Signs" refer to the objective indicators of a condition that can be observed or measured, such as rash, swelling, or vital signs. "Symptoms," on the other hand, are subjective experiences reported by the individual, like pain, dizziness, or nausea. Collecting both signs and symptoms provides a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition, enabling lifeguards to make informed decisions about further care and intervention. This thorough approach ensures that lifeguards are not only addressing the visible signs but also the underlying issues that a patient may be experiencing.