Title: Pulse
Course: Level 3 - First Aid > Section: Assessment and identification of emergency conditions

The pulse is the pressure wave that occurs as each heartbeat causes a surge in the blood circulating through the arteries. The pulse is mostly felt at a pulse point where a major artery lies near the surface and can be pressed gently against a bone or solid organ.

To palpate (feel) the pulse, hold together your index and long fingers and place their tip over a pulse point, press gently against the artery until you feel intermittent pulsation (see Figures 14-16, below).

Fig. 14. Radial pulse.

Fig. 15. Brachial pulse.

Fig. 16. Carotid pulses.

Normal Range for Pulse Rate

Age | Range Beat Per Minute
Adult | 60 to 100
Children | 70 to 150
Infant | 100 to 160