Pulse points

Feel for the pulse on the lateral side (thumb side) of the wrist. It’s usually easy to locate because it’s close to the surface and can be palpated with two or three fingers.

Locate this pulse by placing your fingers on either side of the neck, just below the jawline. It’s a strong pulse and can be felt easily, especially during emergencies.

To find this pulse, flex the elbow slightly and feel in the groove between the biceps and triceps muscles. This site insides the elbow, where the arm bends.

To locate it, feel below the inguinal ligament. In the groin area, near the hip joint. It’s a deep pulse and may require some pressure to palpate.

Position the patient in a prone. Feel for the pulse in the hollow behind the knee. It can be challenging to palpate.

Palpate this pulse on the top of the foot. It can be faint, especially in older adults or those with poor circulation.

To find this pulse, palpate just behind the ankle bone. It may be more pronounced in people with better circulation.

Feel for the pulse just anterior to the ear and slightly above the zygomatic arch (cheekbone). It’s a good site to check in cases of head injuries.