Quick Answer
Monitor vital signs without medical equipment by observing pulse, breathing rate, and skin tone, and feeling for a radial pulse, checking for a steady, strong heartbeat, and listening for breath sounds.
Assessing Pulse and Breathing Rate
Check for a radial pulse by feeling your wrist or the neck area. Count the number of heartbeats in 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the beats per minute (BPM). A normal resting BPM is between 60-100. Assess breathing rate by counting the number of breaths in 15 seconds and multiplying by four. A normal resting breathing rate is between 12-20 breaths per minute.
Monitoring Skin Tone and Hydration
Check skin tone by observing the color, which should be pink or slightly pale. A blue or purple hue can indicate reduced blood flow or shock. Check hydration levels by looking for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, sunken eyes, or low urine output. Monitor for signs of shock, such as rapid breathing, weak pulse, or pale skin.
Listening to Breath Sounds and Assessing Level of Consciousness
Listen to breath sounds by placing your ear near the person’s mouth and nose, and check for a normal, steady rhythm. Assess level of consciousness by asking the person to respond to verbal commands, and observe for any signs of confusion or disorientation. If the person is unresponsive, check for any signs of head or neck injury before moving them.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.