During the secondary rapid trauma assessment, which area includes inspecting and palpating the scalp and ears?

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During the secondary rapid trauma assessment, you perform a head evaluation to identify injuries that could threaten the patient’s life. The scalp and ears are examined as part of this head assessment. You inspect the scalp for lacerations, contusions, and signs of skull injury, then palpate for tenderness or deformities. You also inspect and feel the ears for deformity, bleeding, and drainage that could signal skull-base injury. These checks belong to the head region and are distinct from the neck, chest, or abdomen/pelvis exams, which focus on airway, breathing, circulation, and abdominal/pelvic injuries.