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EMS Tips

Top Tips: Counting Respirations #vitalsigns

1. Don’t tell the patient you are going to count their breathing

2. Look for chest rise and fall through movement in clothing, shoulders, or the chest

3. Listen for the sound of exhalation or inhalation

4. Rest your hand on the patient’s shoulder as you also check their pulse

Look, listen, and feel.

What are your top tips for observing, auscultating, and palpating respirations? 

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.