EMT-Basic/Preparatory/Vitals and SAMPLE

Lesson 1.5: Baseline Vital Signs and SAMPLE History

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:

1. Identify the components of vital signs.
2. Describe the methods to obtain a breathing rate.
3. Identify the attributes that should be obtained when assessing breathing.
4. Differentiate between shallow, labored, and noisy breathing.
5. Describe the methods to obtain a pulse rate.
6. Identify the information obtained when assessing a patient's pulse.
7. Differentiate between a strong and weak pulse and a regular and irregular pulse.
8. Describe the methods to assess the skin color, temperature, and condition, as well as capillary refill in infants and children.
9. Identify the normal and abnormal skin colors.
10. Differentiate between pale, blue, red, and yellow skin color.
11. Identify the normal and abnormal skin temperature.
12. Differentiate between hot, cool, and cold skin temperature.
13. Identify normal and abnormal skin conditions.
14. Identify normal and abnormal capillary refill in infants and children.
15. Describe the methods to assess the pupils.
16. Identify normal and abnormal pupil size.
17. Differentiate between dilated and constricted pupil size.
18. Differentiate between reactive and non-reactive pupils and equal and unequal pupils.
19. Describe the methods to assess blood pressure.
20. Define systolic pressure.
21. Define diastolic pressure.
22. Explain the difference between auscultation and palpation for obtaining a blood pressure.
23. Identify the components of a SAMPLE history.
24. Differentiate between a sign and a symptom.
25. State the importance of accurately reporting and recording the baseline vital signs.
26. Discuss the need to search for additional medical identification.
27. Explain the value of performing the baseline vital signs.
28. Recognize and respond to the feelings patients express during assessment.
29. Defend the need for obtaining and recording an accurate set of vital signs.
30. Explain the rationale for recording additional sets of vital signs.
31. Explain the importance of obtaining a SAMPLE history.
32. Demonstrate the skills involved in the assessment of breathing.
33. Demonstrate the skills associated with obtaining a pulse.
34. Demonstrate the skills associated with assessing the skin color, temperature, and condition, and capillary refill in infants and children.
35. Demonstrate the skills associated with assessing the pupils.
36. Demonstrate the skills associated with obtaining blood pressure.
37. Demonstrate the skills that should be used to obtain information from the patient, family, or bystanders at the scene.