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20/09/2024Learning to measure vital signs in an emergency situation
Knowing how to assess vital signs is an essential reflex for anyone trained in first aid. In French-speaking Switzerland, every minute counts when a life is at stake. Recognising vital distress, measuring a pulse, checking breathing or detecting an abnormal temperature enables effective action to be taken in the first few seconds.
Whether you’re a professional, a parent or a committed citizen, this skill puts you at the heart of the chain of survival. This article provides a complete introduction to the basic techniques for learning to measure vital signs, and directs you to the most suitable training courses such as the IAS 2 programme or our guide to certified first aid training.
Why knowing how to measure vital signs can save lives
Signs of vital distress to look out for
In the event of an accident or illness, vital signs are the first indicators that need to be assessed to understand the victim’s condition. Abnormal breathing, an irregular pulse or an extreme temperature often signal a serious emergency. These symptoms, which are visible and measurable, can be used to quickly adapt treatment while waiting for professional help.
Link between first aid and clinical assessment
As part of first aid, measuring vital parameters not only helps to keep the victim safe, but also transmits valuable information to the emergency services. A trained person will be able to assess changes in the victim’s state of health, guide the action to be taken and document the vital signs observed: all useful data for a rapid diagnosis and better coordination with professionals.
What are the main vital signs to look out for?
Heart rate (HR) – How can I take my pulse effectively?
The pulse is one of the most reliable indicators of cardiac activity. It is usually measured at the wrist (radial) or neck (carotid). In adults, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. An increase in heart rate (tachycardia) may indicate stress, dehydration or a cardiovascular emergency. A drop (bradycardia), on the other hand, may indicate a neurological, metabolic or cardiac disorder.
Respiratory rate (RR) – Interpreting respiratory disorders
Breathing is a vital signal that is easy to observe. A normal adult breathing rate is 12 to 20 cycles per minute. Rapid breathing (tachypnoea) or slow breathing (bradypnoea) can reveal serious pathologies such as intoxication, a neurological disorder or respiratory distress. Observing the symmetry of the thorax, the depth of inspiration and breathing sounds helps to refine the assessment.
Body temperature – Measurement methods and significance
Temperature provides information about thermal balance and metabolism. It can be taken tympanically, orally, axillary or rectally (the most accurate in emergencies). A high temperature (hyperthermia) is often linked to an infection, while hypothermia (
Blood pressure – Reading and interpreting the figures
Blood pressure reflects the force with which blood is propelled through the arteries. Normal pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Low blood pressure can indicate haemorrhage or shock, while high blood pressure puts you at risk of stroke or heart attack. Blood pressure is measured using a manual or electronic blood pressure monitor.
Methods for measuring vital signs in first aid
Manual techniques: pulse taking and respiratory observation
When no medical equipment is available, manual gestures remain the basis of any assessment. The pulse is palpated with two fingers (never the thumb) on the carotid or radial areas. The respiratory rate is observed by discreetly watching the thoracic movements for 30 to 60 seconds. These are simple procedures, accessible to everyone, yet crucial when waiting for help.
Aids: oximeter, blood pressure monitor, thermometer
The use of portable tools improves measurement accuracy:
- Pulse oximeter: simultaneously measures heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂).
- Electronic blood pressure monitor: easy to use, it provides reliable data on systolic and diastolic pressure.
- Medical thermometer: infrared or contact, it allows rapid assessment of body temperature.
These devices are often integrated into first aid kits in companies or among volunteer first aiders, and are taught in training courses such as the IAS 2 module.
When should vital parameters be monitored?
In what cases of emergency?
It is essential to monitor vital signs as soon as the victim displays abnormal behaviour, loss of consciousness, chest pains or breathing problems. It is also an essential reflex in the event of an accident, poisoning or after a serious fall. This initial assessment helps to prioritise the action to be taken and to better guide the intervention.
Frequency of inspection depending on the situation
In an emergency, it is advisable to check vital signs every 2 to 5 minutes, especially if the victim’s condition is changing. In the event of resuscitation or prolonged waiting for emergency services, this regularity makes it possible to monitor the effectiveness of the actions taken and to detect any critical changes in the victim’s state of health. The data collected in this way is invaluable to the emergency services when they arrive.
Learning to take vital signs in training
What training should you choose to learn how to measure vital signs?
The skill of measuring vital signs is covered in depth in advanced level training courses, in particular the IAS 2 course, which provides training in enhanced first aid techniques. This module is aimed at professionals or people wishing to go beyond the BLS AED foundation, which does not cover this skill in any practical way.
Comparison of training courses : BLS AED vs IAS 1 vs IAS 2
- BLS AED SRC: focuses on resuscitation and defibrillator use, without including vital signs measurement.
- IAS 1: introduces general emergency procedures but does not deal with vital signs in any detail.
- IAS 2: covers measurement techniques with practical application, integrated into an advanced intervention protocol.
This comparison is detailed in our dedicated article: Comparative BLS AED SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2 first aid courses.
Why integrate this skill into a corporate security strategy?
An asset for prevention-minded companies
Training employees to recognise vital signs improves responsiveness in the event of an incident in the workplace. This skill not only enhances collective safety, but also underlines the company’s commitment to the well-being of its teams. It fits in perfectly with a policy of occupational risk prevention and compliance with the requirements of CFST directive 6508.
Compliance and HR development
Including the measurement of vital signs in in-house training courses contributes to compliance with MSST standards and the creation of a proactive safety culture. It can also enhance your image as a committed employer, by boosting the motivation and accountability of trained employees. For organisations subject to safety audits, it is a real lever for compliance and risk anticipation.
Why integrate this skill into a corporate security strategy?
An asset for prevention-minded companies
Training employees to recognise vital signs improves responsiveness in the event of an incident in the workplace. This skill not only enhances collective safety, but also underlines the company’s commitment to the well-being of its teams. It fits in perfectly with a policy of occupational risk prevention and compliance with the requirements of CFST directive 6508.
Compliance and HR development
Including the measurement of vital signs in in-house training courses contributes to compliance with MSST standards and the creation of a proactive safety culture. It can also enhance your image as a committed employer, by boosting the motivation and accountability of trained employees. For organisations subject to safety audits, it is a real lever for compliance and risk anticipation.
To develop these skills further, discover our specialised training courses:
Frequently asked questions – Vital signs and first aid
What training will teach you how to measure vital signs?
SafetyFirst’s IAS 2 training course is the one that includes the measurement of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing) in its practical programme. It is recommended for professionals or company safety officers.
Does BLS AED training include taking vital signs?
No, BLS AED SRC training focuses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator. It does not specifically cover vital signs measurement.
Why is it important to know how to measure vital signs?
Vital signs are essential indicators of a person’s state of health. In an emergency, they can be used to assess the seriousness of the situation and adapt the response until help arrives.
Can I learn to take vital signs without being a healthcare professional?
Yes, the training courses offered by SafetyFirst are accessible to everyone. They enable both private individuals and non-medical professionals to learn the right gestures and the right tools.
What tools are used to take vital signs?
These include pulse oximeters for heart rate, blood pressure monitors for blood pressure, clinical thermometers for temperature, and manual observation for respiratory rate.
