When assessing pulse and respiratory rate on a hypothermic patient, EMTs should assess for how long?

When assessing pulse and respiratory rate on a hypothermic patient, EMTs should assess for how long?

• A. 30 seconds
• B. 60 seconds
• C. 90 seconds
• D. 120 seconds

Answer: (B)

In hypothermia, the heart and lungs slow down, and rhythms can be irregular. Counting pulse and respirations for a full 60 seconds helps ensure you don’t miss a very slow pulse or shallow, irregular breathing. A shorter count could falsely suggest no pulse or no respirations, leading to inappropriate actions. A longer count isn’t typically needed and would delay care. So, a one‑minute assessment provides the right balance to accurately evaluate a hypothermic patient’s status.

In hypothermia, the heart and lungs slow down, and rhythms can be irregular. Counting pulse and respirations for a full 60 seconds helps ensure you don’t miss a very slow pulse or shallow, irregular breathing. A shorter count could falsely suggest no pulse or no respirations, leading to inappropriate actions. A longer count isn’t typically needed and would delay care. So, a one‑minute assessment provides the right balance to accurately evaluate a hypothermic patient’s status.