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EMR
EMT
AEMT
Paramedic
Extended
Vital Signs
Obtaining and Documenting Vital Signs
1.
Every patient evaluated by EMS personnel will have his or her baseline vital signs assessed. The initial vital
signs must be obtained manually. Baseline vital signs include the following:
a.
Pulse
b.
Respirations
c.
Blood pressure
i.
Blood pressures on infants and small toddlers may be difficult to obtain without upsetting
the patient; therefore, the blood pressure may be omitted for these patients when the
patient is stable.
2.
It is not necessary to obtain vital signs on someone who did not request assistance or directly ask for aid
when the following applies:
a.
The individual does not appear to be ill or injured and there does not appear to be a need for
treatment.
b.
The individual is of sound mind and does not appear under the influence of alcohol or mind
altering drugs.
3.
Additional vital signs will be obtained as the patient’s condition warrants. Examples are:
a.
Pulse oximetry
b.
Carbon monoxide oximetry
c.
Capnography
d.
Temperature
4.
Each patient that is transported will have his or her vital signs reassessed at least once during transport. The
only exception is a patient with a minor injury, such as a minor laceration. Patients requiring advanced care
will have their vital signs reassessed every 3-5 minutes.
5.
Patients that receive medications will have his or her vital signs reassessed 2-3 minutes after administration
of the medication(s). Patients receiving IV boluses will have his or her vital signs assessed 1-2 minutes after
the bolus is administered.
6.
Repeat vital signs may be obtained via monitoring equipment. However, if there is a significant discrepancy,
a manual set will be immediately obtained for comparison, and the appropriate action taken.
7.
All
vital signs must be documented.
Vital Signs