Question

As per medical direction's request, what specific action is expected from an EMS provider in obtaining orthostatic vital signs?

Answer 1

An EMS provider is expected to take and compare blood pressure and heart rate measurements in lying, sitting, and standing positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension, which is indicated by substantial changes in these vital signs upon changing positions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When directed by medical personnel to obtain orthostatic vital signs, an EMS provider is expected to measure and compare the patient's blood pressure and heart rate in different positions, typically lying down, sitting, and standing. The purpose of this is to assess for orthostatic hypotension, a condition where a person's blood pressure falls when they stand up from sitting or lying down, which can cause dizziness or fainting due to reduced blood flow to the brain. The EMS provider will:

• Have the patient lie down for at least 5 minutes before taking the first set of measurements.
• After the initial readings, help the patient to a sitting position and wait 1-2 minutes before measuring blood pressure and heart rate again.
• Finally, assist the patient to stand, if they're able, and after another 1-2 minutes take the blood pressure and heart rate one more time.

Significant changes in the measurements, such as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure decrease of 10 mmHg, or an increase in heart rate of 20 beats per minute, when going from lying to standing, may indicate orthostatic hypotension.