How often should an EMT reassess vital signs in a stable patient?

Reassessing vital signs every 15 minutes in a stable patient is a current best practice in emergency medical services. The rationale behind this interval stems from the need to closely monitor any changes in a patient’s condition. While vital signs can be stable for a period, unforeseen complications or shifts in the patient's status can occur, making regular monitoring essential.

This timeline allows EMTs to pick up on subtle changes that may indicate a deterioration in the patient’s condition, enabling timely interventions if needed. It strikes a balance between providing adequate monitoring and avoiding excessive disruptions to the patient's care.

In contrast, more frequent checks, such as every 5 minutes, are typically reserved for unstable patients where rapid changes are expected. Reassessing every 30 minutes or only at the destination would not provide sufficient oversight for a stable patient and could lead to missing critical changes that require medical attention. Therefore, the 15-minute interval is both effective and practical for ensuring ongoing patient safety and care quality.