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Vital Signs

Pakistan

ICITAP

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Learning Objectives

Understand what Vital Signs are

Learn the correct way to take and monitor Vital Signs

Learn what normal Vital Signs are

Learn the importance of recognizing abnormal Vital Signs

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Introduction

As Police Officers, you will be exposed to people with altered vital signs resulting from accidents, combat and blast injuries

A victim with abnormal vital signs may have a serious medical condition that must be treated at a facility as soon as possible

A knowledge of first aid can often mean the difference between life and death

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What are vital signs?

Physical signs such as heart beat, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure

These are physical signs that can be measured to determine that an individual is alive

They also assess the level of physical functioning of an individual

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Remember Normal ranges of measurements of

vital signs change with age and condition!

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Vital Signs

There are six basic Vital Signs:

Pulse

Respirations

Blood Pressure

Skin

Temperature

Pupils

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Pulse Various locations in the body to measure pulse

Pulse is measured according to:

Rate

Rhythm

Regular / Irregular

Is it within the normal limits?

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Location of pulse

Carotid pulse

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Taking a carotid pulse

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Location of pulse

Radial pulse

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Taking a radial pulse

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Other Pulse Sites

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Pulse rate Measured in the amount of beats per

minute

Most accurate if taken for 60 seconds

If a regular pulse is present, you can take for 30 seconds and multiply by 2

You should note if pulse is regular or irregular

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Normal Ranges of Pulse Rates

In adults: 50-90 beats per minute

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RespirationsRespiration is measured by:

Rate

Rhythm

Regular / Irregular

Quality

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Adult:

12-20 breaths per minute

Adequate Breathing Rates

Age(years)

Breathing Rate (breaths per minute)

< 1  30 - 40

2 - 12 Can range from 25-35

> 12 15 - 20

Children:

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Rhythm of respirationRhythm:

Regular - when in and out breaths occur in steady, normal rhythm

Irregular - rhythm is fast followed by slow breaths, OR unexpected breathing occurs

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Quality of respirations

Normal - clear

Shallow – weak in and out air exchange

Labored - difficulty breathing?

Noisy - wheezing, snoring, gurgling

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Inadequate Breathing

Less than 12 or greater than 20

Rhythm - Irregular

Quality:

effort is labored and shallow

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Skin Temperature

Warm?

Hot?

Cool?

Cold?

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Skin Color

Pale?

Pink?

Ashen?

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Skin Condition

Wet?

Dry?

Clammy?

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Taking a temperature

Use a clean oral thermometer

Oral has blue tip

Shake the thermometer down to below

34.4C

Read and record victim’s temperature

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How to take a temperature Place end of an

ORAL thermometer in the heat pocket under tongue

Instruct victim to close mouth and lips

DO NOT BITE DOWN on the thermometer

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Temperature

Normal temperature (taken orally) is:

37 degrees (Celsius)

98.6 degrees (Fahrenheit)

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Taking someone's temperature

Oral Temperature can be taken:

If the victim is conscious AND

The victim can follow directions AND

The victim can breath through his nose AND

The victim is NOT receiving oxygen

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Taking someone's temperature

DO NOT take an oral temperature if the victim:

Has smoked, chewed gum, ate or drank

within the last 30 minutes

Is confused, disturbed, sedated or likely

to bite the thermometer

Leave the thermometer in place at least 3

minutes. But no more than 4 is needed.

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Temperature

When you are done taking someone's temperature:

Document the temperature

When done, place used thermometer cover in trash

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Pupils

Pupils are a good indicator of neurological functioning. They can be:

Normal

Constricted

Dilated

Unequal

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Pupils

Normal Pupils

Constricted Pupils

Dilated Pupils

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Pupils

Unequal Pupils

Equal Pupils

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Questions?Questions?

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Class Practical ExerciseClass Practical Exercise

Practice some of the skills Practice some of the skills shared in this presentationshared in this presentation