What is a sphygmomanometer used for?

A sphygmomanometer is specifically designed to measure blood pressure, which is the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. This instrument typically consists of an inflatable cuff to restrict blood flow, a pressure gauge to indicate the pressure level, and sometimes a manual pump or automatic mechanism to inflate the cuff.

Understanding how a sphygmomanometer works is essential for combat medics, as monitoring blood pressure can provide critical information about a patient’s cardiovascular health and help assess conditions such as hypertension or shock. This ability to quickly and accurately measure blood pressure is invaluable in emergency scenarios, where precise data can guide treatment decisions and interventions.

In contrast, heart rate is measured with a stethoscope, pulse oximeters check oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate is often assessed by counting breaths over a specified time. Each of these measurements serves a different purpose, highlighting the unique role of the sphygmomanometer in medical assessments.