What is the purpose of a secondary survey?

The purpose of a secondary survey is to gather comprehensive information about a patient's condition after an initial assessment has been completed. This process includes a detailed examination to identify any additional injuries or medical issues that may not have been apparent during the primary survey. By gathering information on the medical history of the patient, first responders can tailor treatment and improve outcomes, ensuring that any underlying conditions or allergies are taken into account when providing care.

In the context of this question, it is important to note that assessing the environment for hazards focuses on ensuring safety before and during the treatment process rather than evaluating the patient's specific medical history. Evaluating the victim's response to treatment is also critical but is typically part of ongoing care rather than the purpose of a secondary survey itself. Verifying the effectiveness of initial care provided is another vital step in patient management but again serves a different function than the secondary survey, which is primarily concerned with gathering further information to inform ongoing treatment.