While waiting for help / ambulance, a injured person must be observed closely
Particular attention is paid to awareness, breath, pulse and temperature in that order
If the person becomes more unclear / unconscious, breathing falls (12-16 times / minute normal), drops or rises the pulse (50-90 beats per minute normal), the temperature changes (preferably hot and dry)
Situation
While waiting for the ambulance, it is important to observe the breathing, pulse and consciousness of the injured person.
These vital signs can help you assess whether the condition seems stable, worsens, improves, or if there is a specific problem
It may also be necessary to check the body temperature
Write down your findings with timetables, if possible. Provide information to the ambulance staff or healthcare professionals
Check the level of consciousness
Assess the level of consciousness of the injured person. Check it periodically to determine whether the condition improves or worsens
The scale and response usually – the patient is at full consciousness
Responds to (high) speech – responds to your voice, answers simple questions, obeys simple commands
Responds to pain (eg level of shoulder)
Does not respond to any kind of contact. This means that the patient is unconscious. Be ready to start resuscitation ( child / adult )
Check the breathing
The normal amount of breathing in adults is 12-16 breaths. In small children 20-30 breaths per minute
Listen to the breathing of the injured person. Keep in mind how the chest rises and decreases. Count the number of breaths within 1 minute
In small children, it may be a good idea to put your hand on the baby’s chest and feel the breath
Listen for signs of respiratory distress or unusual sounds
Note the following details:
Speed - Number of breaths per minute
Depth – deep or superficial breath
Quality – easy, difficult, painful for the child
Noise – Quiet or distressed breathing
Check heart rate
The normal pulses in adults are 50-90 beats per minute. In well-trained younger adults, the pulse is slower. In children it is much faster – up to 140 beats per minute. However, the pulse may be worse by fear or pain.
Check the pulse of a injured person on the throat (carotid) or at the wrist (radial)
In infants it is easiest to find the pulse in the upper arm (brachialis) or in the lymph (femoralis)
When you check the pulse of an injured person, use your fingers. Do not use your thumb as it has its own heart rate. Press lightly down the artery to feel the strokes
Note the following details:
Speed - number of beats per minute
Strength – if the pulse is strong or weak
Rhythm – if the pulse is regular or irregular
Temperature Measurement
Normal body temperature is around 37 ° C
Higher temperatures are usually caused by infection. Lower temperature ( hypothermia ) is due to the fact that the person has been exposed to cold and / or damp weather
Use of thermometer ensures accurate temperature measurement
There are different types of thermometers: Mercury, digital, ear thermometer. Read more about temperature measurement
If you do not have a thermometer, check if the person is hot or cold. Cover the person if she is warm and cover in cold skin
