For how long should you check for a pulse?

Checking for a pulse is a critical component of assessing a victim's condition, specifically when determining the need for CPR. The guideline for checking a pulse is typically 10 seconds. This time frame allows rescuers to quickly and efficiently assess whether the person has a heartbeat without prolonging the assessment to a point where it might delay necessary life-saving interventions.

During this 10-second check, you should focus on key pulse points, such as the carotid or radial arteries, to ensure a thorough and effective assessment. This duration strikes a balance between being thorough enough to gather accurate information about the individual’s cardiac status and quick enough to facilitate prompt action if resuscitation is required.

Other durations, such as 5 seconds or longer checks like 15 or 30 seconds, could either be too short to reliably detect a pulse or too long, delaying critical care steps that might be necessary if the victim is unresponsive and pulseless. Thus, the recommendation of checking for a pulse for 10 seconds aligns with established protocols for emergency response and lifesaving actions.