Adult Vital Sign Ranges in EMS

Overview

This lecture covers the key normal vital sign ranges for adult patients in EMS, including definitions, clinical considerations, and tips for assessment.

Blood Pressure

• Normal adult blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg, but 120/70 mmHg is also considered normal.
• Systolic (top) is pressure during heartbeats; diastolic (bottom) is pressure between beats.
• Systolic below 90 mmHg indicates hypoperfusion (shock) and is a medical emergency.
• High blood pressure examples: stroke (200/100 mmHg), CHF (180/100 mmHg).
• Mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 60 mmHg is another marker for adequate perfusion (advanced).

Heart Rate & Pulse

• Normal adult heart rate: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm).
• Pulse felt at radial or brachial arteries; if hard to find, try brachial.
• Athletes may have heart rates below 60 bpm without symptoms.
• Low heart rate can be caused by heart block or medication overdose.
• High heart rate (>100 bpm) often due to pain, fear, anxiety, infection, or exercise.
• Rates >150 bpm usually indicate a primary heart problem.

Respiratory Rate

• Normal adult respiratory rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
• Rate <12 is a medical emergency requiring assisted ventilation.
• Rate >20 can result from pain, anxiety, or other internal processes.

Pulse Oximetry (SpO2)

• Normal adult SpO2: 94–99%.
• Measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Smokers, COPD, or cardiac patients may have lower baseline values; >94% is a general target.

Blood Glucose

• Normal adult blood glucose: 70–120 mg/dL.
• <70 mg/dL can cause altered mental status; <60 mg/dL is more severe.
• Symptoms vary by patient; hyperglycemia is >120 mg/dL, hypoglycemia is <70 mg/dL.

End-Tidal CO2 (EtCO2)

• Normal EtCO2: 35–45 mmHg.
• Measures exhaled CO2, used for respiratory and cardiac assessment.
• Confirms correct endotracheal tube placement during intubation.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Systolic — pressure as the heart beats.
• Diastolic — pressure as the heart rests between beats.
• Hypoperfusion — inadequate blood flow to organs.
• Pulse oximetry (SpO2) — percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.
• Blood glucose (BGL) — sugar level in the blood.
• End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) — CO2 level at the end of an exhaled breath.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Memorize normal vital sign values for adults.
• Practice locating pulse points (radial and brachial).
• Review blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, blood glucose, and EtCO2 assessment methods.