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.