Doctor 1

Doctor 1, with a nurse, is responsible for "the head end".

• Primary survey: their prime concern is with the airway and breathing. Their function is to clear and secure an airway, control the cervical spine and, following an assessment of oxygenation, assist with ventilation, if necessary. The doctor should be able to perform simple as well as more skilled airway procedures, i.e. intubation or cricothyroidotomy.

Doctor 1 may then rapidly assess the patient's disability using the AVPU method.

• Secondary survey: Doctor 1 may contribute information to the team leader performing the secondary survey. He may also help by assessing the patients' head and facial injuries and using the Glasgow coma scale.

Doctor 1 may also discuss with the team leader definitive airway management.