What it means
The carotid arteries carry blood up both sides of the neck to the head. Their pulse is strong and can often be felt even when the blood pressure is too low to feel a pulse at the wrist. It is the pulse checked in adults during basic life support.
For the nurse
Feel only one side at a time, gently, with two fingers; pressing both or rubbing the artery can slow the heart or cut blood flow to the brain. During CPR, take no more than 10 seconds to check it.
At a glance
| Also written | carotid pulses |
|---|
Related terms
heart rate
How many times the heart beats per minute.
artery
A blood vessel that takes blood from the heart out to the body.
basic life support
The first emergency care for someone whose heart or breathing has stopped or is failing: CPR, AED use and relief of choking.