Which method uses the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) for patient assessment?

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized tool used to assess and quantify a person's level of consciousness based on three components: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. This scale is vital in evaluating a patient's neurological status, particularly in emergency settings.

The secondary survey focuses on identifying and assessing any additional injuries or medical conditions after the primary survey has been conducted. During this phase, the responder conducts a thorough head-to-toe examination, which includes assessing neurological function, making the GCS a key component of this assessment. The GCS helps responders to make informed decisions regarding the patient's need for immediate medical intervention and treatment.

In contrast, other methods such as the scene survey or primary survey prioritize more immediate life-threatening conditions and do not typically involve a detailed neurological assessment. The ongoing survey involves continuous monitoring of a patient’s condition over time rather than performing initial assessments. Thus, the secondary survey is the appropriate point at which the GCS is applied to evaluate the patient’s cognitive status thoroughly.