Vital Signs Observation

Vital Signs

Vital Signs Assessment: A First Responder’s Essential Guide

What Are Vital Signs? (Life Signs)

Vital signs are critical indicators of a casualty’s health status, helping first responders detect deterioration or improvement due to injury or illness. Monitoring pulse, breathing, consciousness, and skin state is essential when waiting for emergency medical services.

4 Key Vital Signs to Monitor

1. Pulse (Heart Rate)

  • Best pulse points:

    • Radial pulse (wrist) – Most accessible

    • Carotid pulse (neck) – Stronger in emergencies

  • What to assess:

    • Rate (beats per minute)

    • Rhythm (regular or irregular)

    • Amplitude (weak or strong)

  • Normal pulse rates:

    • Adults: 60–80 bpm

    • Children (1–10 yrs): 80–100 bpm

    • Infants (<1 yr): 100–160 bpm

⚠️ Warning: A weak, rapid, or absent pulse may indicate shock, cardiac arrest, or severe bleeding.

2. Breathing (Respiratory Rate)

  • One breath = 1 full inhale + exhale (or chest/belly rise & fall).

  • Assess for:

    • Rate (breaths per minute)

    • Pattern (regular, gasping, wheezing)

    • Depth (shallow or deep)

  • Normal breathing rates:

    • Adults: 12–20 breaths/min

    • Children (6–12 yrs): 16–25 breaths/min

    • Infants (<6 yrs): 25–40 breaths/min

🚨 Danger signs:

  • No breathing → Start CPR

  • Gasping/wheezing → Possible airway obstruction

3. Consciousness Level

  • Causes of unconsciousness:

    • Low oxygen (choking, drowning)

    • Heart/circulation issues (cardiac arrest, stroke)

    • Metabolic problems (diabetic emergency)

    • Brain injury (head trauma, seizure)

  • Assess response to:

    • Voice (Can they answer questions?)

    • Touch (Do they react to shoulder tap?)

    • Pain (Pinch earlobe – do they flinch?)

    • No response → Unconscious (call 000)

4. Skin State (Colour, Temperature, Moisture)

  • What to look for:

    • Pale/cool skin → Shock or blood loss

    • Bluish (cyanosis) → Oxygen deprivation

    • Hot & dry → Heatstroke

    • Clammy/sweaty → Pain, stress, or low blood sugar

⚠️ Key Insight: Skin changes help detect shock, hypoxia, or heat-related illnesses early.

Why Monitoring Vital Signs Matters

  • Helps detect hidden injuries (internal bleeding, head trauma).

  • Reveals early warning signs of shock, stroke, or cardiac arrest.

  • Guides when to escalate emergency care.

📌 Pro Tip: Recheck every 5–10 minutes if waiting for paramedics.