When assessing a patients blood pressure What does the top number indicate to the EMT?

Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure. The higher number, or systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body.

33. To determine blood pressure, the EMT should position the cuff over the upper arm and place the stethoscope over the brachial artery.

To assess the radial pulse, use 2-3 fingers and place them in the middle on the anterior side of the arm just above the wrist. NEVER use your thumb to detect pulse as it has its own pulse! Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply that number by 2.