Which artery is located at the wrist and is often used to check pulse?

Prepare for the Dallas Fire and Rescue EMT Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations for each answer. Get ready for your test!

The radial artery is located at the wrist and is frequently used to check a person's pulse due to its accessibility and prominence in that area. It runs along the radius bone on the thumb side of the forearm and can be easily palpated just proximal to the wrist. Checking the pulse at this site is common in emergency medical situations since it allows for a quick assessment of heart rate and overall blood circulation.

The other arteries listed serve different regions of the body. The carotid artery, for example, is located in the neck and is used to assess pulse in cases where the radial pulse may not be effective. The femoral artery runs through the groin area and is used primarily in cases of severe trauma or when assessing circulation in the lower extremities. The brachial artery is located in the upper arm and is often used in infants or in blood pressure measurements but is not as convenient as the radial artery for a quick wrist pulse check. Hence, the radial artery remains the preferred site for pulse assessment at the wrist.

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