One of the first skills new first responders and EMTs learn is taking a manual blood pressure as part of the patient assessment. Blood pressures are a required element of a complete set of vitals signs and establish the baseline from which subsequent assessments and treatments follow.
Advances in technology now allow accurate blood pressures (BPs) to be obtained with non-invasive BP monitors. The technology is so reasonably priced, that automatic BP monitors are now available for home use by patients encouraged by their healthcare providers to monitor their vital signs on a regular basis.
Until this point, the automated blood pressure cuffs used by EMS providers in the field were limited to expensive, multi-function monitors designed specifically for EMS use. The cost of these machines generally puts them out of reach for basic EMT ambulances and first responders, but now these providers can look to the home BP cuffs for an inexpensive option for providing accurate BPs.
Blood pressure monitor deals and discounts
Check out these offers to better equip your providers with automated blood pressure monitors.
iHealth Track Smart Blood Pressure Monitor
- Battery (4 AAA) powered
- Multi-color back-lit display with large numbers
- One button for start and stop
- 9-16 inch (22-42 cm) cuff
- 15.45 ounces
ALPHAGOMED digital automatic blood pressure monitor
- Battery (4 AAA) powered, USB connection also available
- Easy-to-read display with large numbers
- One button for start and stop
- Two cuffs available, one 9-16 inch (22-42 cm) cuff and a larger 13-20 inch (32-52 cm) cuff
- 1.28 pounds
AQESO digital automatic blood pressure monitor
- Battery (4 AAA) powered, USB connection also available
- Dark display with large white numbers
- One button for start and stop
- Two cuffs available, one 9-17 inch (23-43 cm) cuff and a larger 13-21 inch (33-53 cm) cuff
- 1.5 pounds
Invaxe digital automatic blood pressure monitor
- Dual powered: Battery (4 AAA) or AC plug
- Dark display with large white numbers
- Graphic display of low, normal and high ranges
- 9-16 inch (22-42 cm) cuff
- 1.12 pounds
laukum blood pressure monitor
- Battery (4 AAA) powered
- Large high-definition backlit screen
- Graphic display of low, normal and high ranges
- Irregular heartbeat detection
- 9-17 inch (22-43 cm) cuff
- 1.1 pounds
Automated BP cuff features
Designed for easy use at home by patients with minimal training, these BP cuffs have few options to choose from and are generally similar – but there are a few features and characteristics to consider when shopping for units for EMS use.
- Cuff size. As the conditions that require home monitoring (i.e. hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes) are generally found in adult patients, the cuffs available in retail stores and on shopping sites such as Amazon are most likely going to be aimed at adult-sized patients. Look for units that have the widest range or interchangeable cuffs of different sizes.
- Replaceable hoses and cuffs. BP monitor hoses and cuffs are the parts that are most likely to be damaged or worn as the devices are put on and taken off the patient, and in and out of responder bags. Look for devices that have removable and replaceable hoses and cuffs, and check to be sure those replacement parts will not be more expensive than the units themselves.
- Disinfection and cleaning. As a patient care device that will be in direct contact with skin and potentially exposed to bodily fluids and other infectious sources, the BP cuffs, hoses and monitor must be able to be cleaned and disinfected.
- Accuracy. As a patient monitoring device, reading accuracy is important. Many manufacturers offer proof of calibration with their products. Alternatively, consumers can look for independent reviewers that have analyzed the machines with sensitive equipment.
- Pulse rate. Most units also display the patient’s heart rate with the blood pressure. Confirm the heart rate by physically checking a pulse as these monitors may display inaccurate heart rates, especially when the patient has an irregular rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Power source. Home BP monitors can be powered by either an AC power plug or batteries. Clearly, battery powered sources will be more appropriate for EMS use. Look for devices with reliable battery life. If disposable batteries are used, be sure to include replacements in the budget and keep an extra set with the device in the case.
- Size and weight. As they are designed for home use, these BP monitors tend to be small and lightweight, but every ounce counts in bags responders have to carry in and out of scenes. Space may also be a premium in jump bags.
- Bluetooth technology. Many home BP monitors now offer Bluetooth technology to send readings to users’ phones so they can keep a record of measurements over time and share them with their healthcare providers. Whether or not this feature would be of use for EMS providers is debatable. Is there more of a chance that the connection could fail or be more of a distraction when time is of the essence? Consider looking for units that have an easy-to-read screen with limited buttons and technology needed to obtain the reading you need.
