Monitoring a person’s condition begins as you approach them for a primary assessment and continues throughout the secondary assessment procedure. You or a member of your lifesaving team should regularly record the person’s breathing, pulse and state of consciousness every few minutes to help determine if the person’s condition is worsening, stable or improving over time. Refer to the Management of the person after CPR section of this manual for a summary of normal and abnormal vital signs for adults and children.
A period of observation is recommended following the provision of emergency care. If the person’s condition has not deteriorated and their vital signs are normal after an appropriate period of observation, it is reasonable to discharge the person from your care. For emergencies requiring an ambulance, you should continue to monitor the person’s condition, record their vital signs, provide reassurance and follow the advice of the ambulance service until the paramedics accept responsibility for the person.
Providing the person with reassurance while respecting their dignity can help reduce any anxiety as well as encourage the sharing of details that can help inform treatment and determine the person’s condition over time. You can help reassure a person receiving emergency care by:
- acting confidently to instil trust
- advising the person what you intend to do and seek permission before you do it
- advising the person if an ambulance has been called or help is on its way
- asking open questions
- being as honest as possible
- making the person comfortable with minimal movement
- providing appropriate pain relief
- responding to the person in a culturally aware, sensitive and respectful manner
- staying with the person
- using their name when addressing them.