Had a call recently where we needed to hike in a bunch of gear into the woods, and my heart rate was going pretty good when we got there. While checking for a pulse, I could only feel my own. Any tips on overcoming the sensation of your own pulse in order to feel for a weak one on a patient?
Posted Sep 17, 2020, 4:04 PM UTC
Like Steam said:
Use fingers and never your thumb. Other than that it's just practise. Start taking your own pulse every now and then throughout the day. Getting the feel for a normal pulse can be good so when you feel an abnormal one it "feels wrong". Try different spots as well. Throat, wrist, ankle etc. Google "pulse points" for more. The further from their heart you can feel a pulse, generally the higher their blood pressure.
If you can also try it on others. If your buddies are giving you shit for it, try it with your SO.
At my station we have a little clip that goes on the patients finger with a digital display. I don't think they're very expensive. Maybe ask your materials manager about ordering a couple
Yes! The spO2 monitor. Excellent idea :) Thank you
You shouldn't be able to feel a pulse that's not your own if you you use your pointer and middle finger. You can feel your pulse in your thumb, so don't use your thumb.
An SPO2 monitor is good too, though you can't tell the rhythm. They aren't perfect either, as things such as excessive callousing, nail polish and low body temps can give inadequate readings. Look into the downsides of SPO2 monitors. Things like CO poisoning can give false readings.
Thank you