Vital signs at rest: radial pulse and breathing rate

Cool-down for the first aid unit: in pairs, one student lies at rest while the other takes their radial pulse and counts their breaths per minute, as a first aider would. Students recover after the session and practice a basic vital signs assessment.

How to play

1. Explanation: where to take the radial pulse (two fingers below the thumb, on the wrist) and how to count breaths by watching the chest (2 min).
2. Student A lies on the mat breathing normally; B takes the pulse for 30 seconds and multiplies by two (2 min).
3. B counts A's breaths for 30 seconds without telling them, so they do not change their breathing (1 min).
4. Switch roles and repeat (3 min).
5. Compare with normal resting values (60-100 beats and 12-20 breaths per minute) and record on the card (2 min).

Rules

• Take the pulse with the index and middle fingers, never with the thumb.
• Do not squeeze the wrist: light pressure is enough.
• Each student's data is private and only seen by their partner and the teacher.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: lying down is not necessary; do it sitting in the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: find the pulse by touch and count breaths with a hand on the partner's abdomen, with their permission.
• Students uncomfortable with touch: each student takes their own pulse and counts their own breathing.

Learning goals

• Calm down after the session in a resting position.
• Learn to take the radial pulse and breathing rate.
• Interpret basic resting vital signs.

Equipment for a class of 25

• stopwatch: 15
• cards: 30
• mats: 15

Teacher tip

Remember that values may still be a bit high after exercise: it is a good moment to talk about recovery. Keep in mind that in first aid, checking for a pulse is not used to decide whether to start CPR.

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