There would have been a leg injury and the paramedic wanted to ensure there was circulation distal (below) the injury.
Dorsalis pedis (top of foot) & Posterior tibial (behind ankle on inside of foot)
In the human, the dorsalis pedis artery is the blood vessel carrying oxygen to the dorsal or upper surface of the foot. To feel or palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse, place the fingers mid foot where the ankle meets the foot. Dorsiflexion (toes up - not pointed down) increases the chances of feeling this pulse.
You have several pulse points in your body, you are probably aware of the carotid pulse in your neck and the radial pulse in your wrist. The feet also have pulse points. there are 2; the dorsalis pedis, essentially on the top of your foot as it turns into your leg, and the medial malleor, on the inside part of your ankle.
You can check the pulse in the carotid (neck) or brachial (upper arm) arteries for CPR pulse checks. Other possible locations for checking a pulse are Radial (wrist), Popliteal artery (knee) posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis (foot).
Usually the radial artery (wrist), but the brachial (upper arm), carotid (neck), dorsalis pedis (foot), posterior tibial (foot) can be used also.
Dorsalis pedis (top of foot) & Posterior tibial (behind ankle on inside of foot)
The dorsalis pedis pulse is taken to assess blood flow to the foot and lower extremities. It is commonly checked in patients with peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or in a general cardiovascular assessment. A weak or absent dorsalis pedis pulse can indicate reduced blood supply to the lower extremities.
on the top of the foot.
The dorsalis pedis pulse is not detected in the upper limb, as it is located in the foot. In the upper limb, pulses such as the radial and ulnar can be palpated. The dorsalis pedis pulse is specifically associated with the lower limb's vascular system.
Yes, it is common.
The dorsalis pedis artery pulse can be palpated readily lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon (or medially to the extensor digitorum tendons) on the dorsal surface of the foot, distal to the dorsal most prominence of the navicular bone which serves as a reliable landmark for palpation.
Pulse located at the anterior (frontal) area of the foot. The pulse is created by the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteria dorsalis pedis.
It's used - to check that the circulatory system is supplying blood to the foot. Failure to locate it can indicate there is a problem further up the limb (such as a clot etc).
In the human, the dorsalis pedis artery is the blood vessel carrying oxygen to the dorsal or upper surface of the foot. To feel or palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse, place the fingers mid foot where the ankle meets the foot. Dorsiflexion (toes up - not pointed down) increases the chances of feeling this pulse.
The leg has several pulses. The pulse in the groin fold is the femoral artery. The pulse felt behind the knee is the popliteal pulse. The pulses in the feet are the dorsalis pedis and the posterior tibial pulse.
Checking for the dorsalis pedis pulse is important as it helps assess blood flow to the foot and indicates the overall vascular health of the lower extremities. A strong, palpable pulse suggests adequate circulation, while a weak or absent pulse may indicate peripheral artery disease or other circulatory issues. This assessment is especially crucial in patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or those at risk of ischemia. Regular monitoring can aid in early detection of potential complications.
The common carotid artery - because it's closest to the heart.