Where should you locate the carotid pulse when checking an unresponsive adult?

Where should you locate the carotid pulse when checking an unresponsive adult?

• A. In the groove between the trachea and the muscle on the side of the neck.
• B. On the chin.
• C. Behind the ear.
• D. In the wrist.

Answer: (A)

Feeling for the neck pulse means locating the carotid artery to detect a heartbeat in an unresponsive adult. To do this, place your two fingers in the groove on the side of the neck between the trachea and the large neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid). This is where the carotid artery runs close to the surface, making the pulse easiest to feel. Use light, steady pressure and avoid pressing too hard. If you cannot feel a pulse within about 10 seconds, start chest compressions immediately. The chin, behind the ear, or the wrist aren’t appropriate places to check this pulse.

Feeling for the neck pulse means locating the carotid artery to detect a heartbeat in an unresponsive adult. To do this, place your two fingers in the groove on the side of the neck between the trachea and the large neck muscle (the sternocleidomastoid). This is where the carotid artery runs close to the surface, making the pulse easiest to feel. Use light, steady pressure and avoid pressing too hard. If you cannot feel a pulse within about 10 seconds, start chest compressions immediately. The chin, behind the ear, or the wrist aren’t appropriate places to check this pulse.