Vital Signs

The vital signs control begins with the first eye contact with the patient and the associated recording of the vital signs and is a component of the compilation of an overview in the emergency situation. The vital sign control is the first diagnostic measure in every emergency situation and takes place permanently, e.g. through conversation with the patient.

In inanimate patients without spontaneous vocal expression, the "Diagnostic Block" according to ERC guidelines, which is customary in emergency medical services, is specifically used: Consciousness - Breathing - Pulse or life sign? worked off.

Depending on the circumstances of the situation, the emergency doctor, unlike the inexperienced, will check the vital signs control less in the ritualized form (consciousness, breathing, pulse/life signs). A patient who sits and breathes or a newborn child who cries is, of course, vital even without the ritualized procedure. The vital signs have now been checked. However, vital signs obtained do not allow conclusions to be drawn about the vital threat posed by an acute disease. For example, an adapted patient with severe obstructive pulmonary disease with a blood pressure of 80 mmHg systolic and an oxygen saturation of 35 mmHg can show preserved vital signs and even talk to the emergency physician. The vital sign control therefore takes place permanently according to the guidelines of all emergency organizations and immediately with every change of the clinical picture.