You're looking for a single formula where none exists. At least, not to give you the exact words. But undoubtedly you have a primary survey. Start with that. DRABCD or something like it. Whether it be in class or in reality (although some instructors may have some particular language that they need to hear from you to tick a box).
D: Your safety is paramount. That means gloves. It means thinking about the look of the house when you're walking towards it, considering your exits. If you question your safety at all from your first impression then you're first words to the pt should be about that. "G'day mate, you mind if I leave this door open, its important that we be able to get our stretcher in (READ: I need to be able to bugger off if you try and stab me)". "Hello sir, now firstly, have you got anything sharp on you that might hurt me"?
R: Usually comes in the form of introducing yourself and getting a socially acceptable reply. Probably will include something like, "Hiya, I'm James and this fine looking gentlemen with me is ______. What can we do for you today?" You're then presented with a chief complaint that you investigate. If not, then you continue with your unconscious pt assessment and question bystanders while you do it.
A: This isn't just part of check list for CPR. Its
conceptually important in every job. If you've noticed something that makes you worry about their airway, whether it be a puddle of vomit in their hypopharynx, a nasty stridor or a history of anaphylaxis with respiratory compromise, then question that first.
B: "Any trouble breathing at all?" is something I ask early on in many patients.
So on and so forth. I can't be arsed writing it all out, but you get the picture.
Most of all, don't get flustered and move too fast. Its not your emergency. Be calm and methodical. Something that features most commonly in letters of thanks and things that people say about us here is, "Oh they were so lovely and calm and they just walked into the room and I knew everything would be okay". That sense that everything will be okay stems from our confidence. Research suggests that people call ambulances because they lose the ability to cope with a situation that is medical in nature, not necessarily because they have a medical emergency. What they need is someone who CAN cope with that situation. Take a long, deep breath (
literally, its always helps me) and move at your own pace. Its better for you and, in turn, better for your patients.
Just practice it. Again and again. Say it to yourself while you're on the toilet, walking to school, waiting for a bus. "High, my name is James what can I do for you? You have some chest pain? Anything else? Any trouble breathing or anything like that? Tell me more about the pain? How would you describe it?....."
Don't you have lecturers or instructors or whatever you call them to ask?
"How do I find the right answer for my class about this subject?"
Study your manual, ask your instructor, know your protocols.
Second one will be "What about a real scene?". Answer is : see the excellent answers above.
If you are a Star Trek fan, or not, look up "Kobayashi Maru". Sometimes there is no right order, just better and much-better. Start out by getting to the right address in one piece, make sure your scene is safe, then it's up to you and your training.
Unless you change the program so you can win it...
, but as Haweye Pierce told Dr Hooker about "meatball surgery", "This isn't par golf, and I don't care if I have to put the ball in the hole with my knees" or some such golf metaphor.
