What is a windshield survey?

A windshield survey refers to a quick assessment made from a moving vehicle, typically used in the context of evaluating the conditions of vehicle occupants in an emergency response situation. This type of survey allows emergency responders to gain immediate situational awareness of the number of patients, their apparent conditions, and any potential hazards or needs in the environment without requiring detailed assessments at that moment.

For instance, during a large-scale incident or when approaching a scene, responders can quickly observe the layout, identify patients who need urgent care, and plan their logistics accordingly. This method is efficient and enables responders to deploy resources where they are most needed rapidly.

In contrast, the other choices are focused on different aspects of emergency medical services. A detailed physical exam of victims involves thorough assessments that occur after initial findings from a survey, traffic analysis pertains to studying traffic patterns rather than assessing individuals, and standard assessment protocols are guidelines for treating patients but do not specifically address the initial observational assessment conducted during a windshield survey.