TapRate

Measure and calculate heart and respiratory rates using your iPhone or Apple Watch. All that's required is that you be able to feel a radial pulse rate or observe a respiratory rate, and then tap! TapRate uses math and sample timings to calculate a person's heart or breathing rate.

It was designed for use by EMTs, Paramedics and other first responders but has also found a use in a variety of other fields, including Veterinary medicine. If you're not a medical professional please be aware that TapRate is a measurement tool. Seek a doctor's advice in addition to using this app before making any medical decisions. If you are an EMT and using it on duty, make sure to follow all your agency's guidelines and medical protocols.

HOW TO USE

Using the hand with your watch on it, feel for a radial pulse or observe a person's breathing rate by watching their chest rise and fall. Every time one of these events occurs, tap the button with a finger from your other hand.

The indicated rate turns from orange to green after several samples have been collected and an average rate is calculated. It optionally turns red to reflect an elevated heart or breathing rate, if the rapid alert rate has been set. After a few recorded samples your rate will be displayed. Practice to become more proficient and accurate.

If you're a healthcare professional (Nurse, EMT, etc.) be sure to practice and compare your rates to those obtained using more traditional techniques and/or diagnostic measurement tools.

Once you're comfortable using TapRate you'll be able to obtain heart and respiratory rates within seconds, which is way faster than waiting 15 or 30 seconds doing the same thing manually.

CPR METRONOME

TapRate also has a great CPR metronome when you're out in the field performing lifesaving CPR, or training. It allows you to customize the amount of time spent per round (how much time one person performs compressions), the rate (likely established by your agency or medical system) as well as offer audio prompts warning you when the round is almost over. Different metronome sounds are also available.

PRE-ARRIVAL CONDITIONS REVIEW

On the way to a call, pick the patient's age group, then medical or trauma, then the presentation you're expecting. TapRate shows the causes usually worth considering, the red flags to look for, and which way each vital sign normally moves — measured against your own reference ranges. Everything is stored on the device, so it works with no signal and there's nothing to wait for.

Note: This is version 3.0 of the original TapRate application first created and released to the App store in 2015!