How to find a Pulse Rate using the Carotid and Radial Artery

Finding Pulse Rates - Carotid Artery
• Locate the patent's Adam's apple with the index and middle fingers of one hand
• Slide these fingers down into the groove of the neck of the side closest to you
• If you can't find the pulse on the side closest to you, move to the opposite side
• Never try to feel the carotid pulse on both sides at the same time
• Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute

Finding Pulse Rates - Radial Artery
• Locate the artery on the patient's wrist (thumb side of hand)
• Slide two or three fingers into the groove of the wrist immediately below the hand on the thumb side
• Do not use your thumb when taking a radial pulse
• Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute

Determine whether the pulse may be described as rapid, strong or weak

Click Here for more information about our First Aid Training Classes in Thailand