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

In the context of assessing stable patients, EMTs should check vital signs every 15 minutes. This timeframe is established based on the principle of monitoring a patient's condition while ensuring that any changes can be detected in a timely manner. In stable patients, vital signs are not expected to fluctuate as dramatically, allowing for a longer interval compared to unstable patients, who might require reassessments more frequently.

This practice helps in maintaining an ongoing understanding of the patient’s condition, while also balancing the need for timely interventions if any deterioration occurs. It is important for EMTs to be vigilant, as any change in vital signs can indicate a shift in the patient's status that may require immediate attention. Therefore, the 15-minute reassessment interval is appropriate for stable patients to ensure continuous, effective monitoring without overburdening the EMT with unnecessary frequency in reassessment.