Vitals are entered as one or more sets, each with its own timestamp. Add a new set every time you reassess the patient.

Add a vital set

  1. On the Timeline tab, tap Add Vitals.
  2. The vitals modal opens. The current time fills in for you. Change it if needed.
  3. Enter the readings you took.
  4. Tap Save.

What is in a vital set

  • Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and the method used.
  • Heart rate, the rhythm, and the method.
  • Respiratory rate, effort, and any supplemental oxygen.
  • Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the percent.
  • End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) for capnography.
  • Temperature and the method (oral, rectal, tympanic, etc.).
  • Blood glucose.
  • Glasgow Coma Score — eye, verbal, motor (the total auto-calculates).
  • Pain scale and the type used (Wong-Baker, NRS, FLACC).
  • Cardiac rhythm interpretation.
  • Stroke scale results, if you used one.

How many sets do I need

For most transports, NEMSIS expects at least two complete sets — one initial and one immediately before patient transfer at the destination. Critical patients should have more frequent reassessment. Your state may have its own minimum.

An example

You respond to a syncope call. On scene you take a full set of vitals: BP 90/60, HR 108, RR 18, SpO2 96% on room air, BGL 145, GCS 15, pain 0/10, sinus tachycardia on the monitor. You add this set to the Timeline. You start an IV and give 500 mL of saline. Ten minutes later you reassess: BP 110/70, HR 92. You add a second set with just the values that changed. Right before you arrive at the hospital, you take a final set and add it.

Tip: You do not have to fill in every field on every set. The first set should be complete. Follow-up sets only need the values that changed or the values your state requires on every set.