Vital Signs: Heart Rate and Respiration Rate

Vital Signs

• Respiration Rate (RR) is measured in breaths per minute (RPM), with one breath being 1 inhalation and 1 exhalation
• To measure RR, count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
• Normal RR is 12-20 RPM

Heart Rate (HR)

• Heart Rate (HR) is reported in beats per minute (BPM)
• Count HR for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
• Normal HR is 60-100 BPM

Oxygen Saturation (SPO2)

• SPO2 measures the level of oxygen in the blood using a pulse oximeter
• Normal SPO2 is 95-100%

Blood Pressure

• BP is the pressure blood exerts against the inner walls of blood vessels
• Two arterial measurements: Systolic Pressure (top #) and Diastolic Pressure (bottom #)
• To check BP, place the cuff on the upper arm above the brachial pulse site, palpate the brachial pulse site, and then place the stethoscope over it

Secondary Survey

• Paramedic 1: obtain patient history using SAMPLE and OPQRST, and perform a detailed head-to-toe assessment
• Paramedic 2: reassess vital signs

SAMPLE

• Sign and Symptoms: indications of injury?
• Allergies: any medical or other allergies?
• Medications: is the patient on any medications? What are they?
• Past Medical History: does the patient have a previous medical condition?
• Last meal: what and when did the patient last eat?
• Events Preceding: what was the patient doing prior to injury or medical complaint?

OPQRST

• Onset: when did the pain start?
• Provoke: does anything make it feel better or worse?
• Quality: how would you describe the pain?
• Region/Radiation: where do you have pain and does it radiate anywhere?
• Severity: rate pain from 0-10

Head-to-Toe Assessment

• Perform a detailed check of the patient for any injuries they may have
• Involves exposing certain areas of the body for a visual inspection
• Look for: contusions, lacerations, abrasions, punctures, symmetry/swelling, deformity
• Feel for: tenderness, instability, crepitus, subcutaneous emphysema, symmetry/swelling, deformity

Reassessing Vital Signs

• Reassess vital signs during the secondary survey, depending on the patient's condition
• Check: Level of Response, Blood Glucose Levels, Pupils, Oxygen Saturation, Respiration Rate, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Temperature

The Skeletal System

• Functions: support, protection, storage, blood cell formation, movement
• Divisions: Axial Skeleton (bones that run down the center of the body), Appendicular Skeleton (arms and legs, and how they attach to the body)

Cardiac Arrest

• If the patient is A, V, P = ABCS
• If the patient is U = CABS
• Check for pulse: YES, rate, rhythm, volume, and skin condition

Pulse Sites

• Main pulse sites: Radial pulse (wrist), Carotid pulse (under jaw/throat)

Blood Pressure

• Record results with systolic being the top number and diastolic being the bottom number

This quiz covers the basics of vital signs, including heart rate and respiration rate measurement and normal values.