Have you ever wondered how to check for a pulse?
Well, you could be in a situation where it’s helpful to know. Having your pulse in hand makes it easier for medical professionals to give you life-saving treatment.
However, there are more fun reasons for knowing how to check for a pulse. It’s fun to know your own pulse and feel the steady beating of your own heart. Imagine the intimacy of knowing the rhythms of your own heart and pulse!
This article will teach you how to check for a pulse on yourself and others. Read on to learn more about self-health and pulse-checking.
Table of Contents
Where to Check for a Pulse
The most common places to check for a pulse are the carotid artery in the neck and the radial artery in the wrist. The carotid artery is located on either side of the windpipe and can be felt by pressing gently on the side of the neck.
The radial artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist, near the base of the thumb.
When to Check for a Pulse
It is important to check for a pulse when a person is unconscious or unresponsive. A pulse can also be checked if a person is complaining of chest pain or shortness of breath.
In these situations, it is important to check his vital signs, including finding a pulse as soon as possible, as a lack of pulse can indicate a serious medical emergency.
How to Check for a Pulse
The proper technique for checking for a pulse is to use the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips. Use the index and middle fingers to feel for a pulse.
Press gently but firmly enough so that you can feel the pulse. It is important not to press too hard, as this can cause the pulse to become weaker or harder to detect.
When checking for a pulse on the carotid artery, place your fingers on either side of the windpipe and press gently. When checking for a pulse on the radial artery, place your fingers on the thumb side of the wrist, near the base of the thumb.
It is important to note that the pulse on the wrist is generally weaker than the pulse on the neck, so it might be harder to detect.
If No Pulse Is Found
If no pulse is found, it is important to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting for emergency medical assistance, if you have trained with MyCPR NOW and know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), do so.
CPR can help to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, which can help to keep the person alive until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Learn How to Check for a Pulse and Save a Life Today
Checking for a pulse is an essential skill everyone should learn. Knowing how to find a pulse and understand the pulse rate can give you valuable insight into a person’s medical condition.
If you’ve ever wondered how to check for a pulse and read pulse rates, it’s a relatively easy skill to acquire. Take the time and effort to learn this important skill, as it can make a world of difference in a life-threatening situation.
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