How to Measure and Record Respiratory Rate

Contact an emergency response team immediately in the event of a severe trauma or medical crisis., Measure an individual's respiratory rate while he/she is at rest., Observe the rise and fall of the victim's chest and count the number of...

9 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Contact an emergency response team immediately in the event of a severe trauma or medical crisis.

    Try not to let the victim become aware that you are monitoring respirations in order to obtain a more reliable count. , One respiration consists of one complete rise and fall of the chest, or the inhalation and exhalation of air.

    The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12-to-20 breaths per minute. , Normal respiration consists of deep, even breaths during which the rib cage fully contracts and relaxes.

    Abnormal respiration may appear shallow and rapid, labored, shallow and deep or noisy and may indicate illness or injury.,, Make a note of any significant changes and relay the information to medical personnel.
  2. Step 2: Measure an individual's respiratory rate while he/she is at rest.

  3. Step 3: Observe the rise and fall of the victim's chest and count the number of respirations out loud for one full minute.

  4. Step 4: Categorize the rhythm

  5. Step 5: and strength of the respiration.

  6. Step 6: Record the current time

  7. Step 7: respiratory rate and respiratory characteristics

  8. Step 8: if possible.

  9. Step 9: Repeat the above steps for measuring and recording respiration rate and characteristics every 10 minutes in an emergency situation.

Detailed Guide

Try not to let the victim become aware that you are monitoring respirations in order to obtain a more reliable count. , One respiration consists of one complete rise and fall of the chest, or the inhalation and exhalation of air.

The normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult at rest is 12-to-20 breaths per minute. , Normal respiration consists of deep, even breaths during which the rib cage fully contracts and relaxes.

Abnormal respiration may appear shallow and rapid, labored, shallow and deep or noisy and may indicate illness or injury.,, Make a note of any significant changes and relay the information to medical personnel.

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Debra Wells

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