Table 2 The number of breathing and radial pulse scenarios.

From: Accuracy of breathing and radial pulse assessment by non-medical persons: an observational cross-sectional study

Breathing scenario

n (%)

 RR 0 BPM 

100 (23.6)

 RR 9 BPM

122 (28.8)

 RR 18 BPM

102 (24.0)

 RR 30 BPM

100 (23.6)

Radial pulse scenario

 SBP 0 mmHg/PR 0 bpm

45 (10.6)

 SBP 80 mmHg/PR 49 bpm

38 (9.0)

 SBP 80 mmHg/PR 80 bpm

43 (10.1)

 SBP 80 mmHg/PR 120 bpm

52 (12.3)

 SBP 120 mmHg/PR 49 bpm

34 (8.0)

 SBP 120 mmHg/PR 80 bpm

41 (9.7)

 SBP 120 mmHg/PR 120 bpm

40 (9.4)

 SBP 180 mmHg/PR 49 bpm

48 (11.3)

 SBP 180 mmHg/PR 80 bpm

41 (9.7)

 SBP 180 mmHg/PR 120 bpm

42 (9.9)

  1. RR respiratory rate, BPM breaths per minute, bpm beats per minute, SBP systolic blood pressure, PR pulse rate.
  2. Four scenarios of breathing were defined: ‘no breathing’, RR = 0 BPM; ‘slow’, RR = 9 BPM; ‘normal’, RR = 18 BPM; and ‘fast’, RR = 30 BPM. All respiratory sounds were turned off in the simulator.
  3. Ten scenarios of radial pulse were defined: ‘no pulse’, SBP = 0 mmHg and PR = 0 bpm; ‘weak’, SBP = 80 mmHg; ‘normal’, SBP = 120 mmHg; and ‘strong’, SBP = 180 mmHg. Radial pulse rate was categorised as follows: ‘slow’, PR = 49 bpm; ‘normal’ PR = 80 bpm; and ‘fast’, PR = 120 bpm.
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