Finding the PULSE

You will need a stopwatch or a digital watch with a second hand. Your partner takes the time while you take the pulse. Your pulse can be located at several places on my body. The 2 most common locations are the carotid pulse and the radial pulse.

A. Carotid pulse:

• Turn my head to one side.
• Feel the point at your neck where the large muscle and tendon.
• Slide the fleshy part of your index and middle fingers along this tendon until you are on a level equal with your Adam‟s apple.
• Feel for the pulse. Readjust the fingers if necessary.
• Do not press too hard because this might alter the pulse (e.g. slow it down).
•  Count the number of pulses felt for 60 seconds. This number represents your heart rate in beats per minute while you are at rest. If you are pressed for time, you may count the pulses for only 15 seconds. Multiply this by 4.
• Remember however, that it is more accurate to take a full 60-second count if possible.

B. Radial pulse:

•  Hold your left forearm out in front with palm facing on you .
• At the top portion of your forearm (nearest the thumb) where your wrist is, slide the fleshy part of your index and middle fingers along until they are 1 inch from your wrist.
• Feel for the pulse. Readjust the fingers if necessary.
• Do not press too hard because this might alter the pulse (e.g. slow it down). Count the number of pulses felt for 60 seconds. This number represents your heart rate in beats per minute while you are at rest. If you are pressed for time, you may count the pulses for only 15 seconds. Multiply this by 4.
• Remember however, that it is more accurate to take a full 60-second count if possible.

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