Step 1 — Explain what you're doing

Speak to the person before you touch them. A short, friendly introduction calms nerves and builds trust. Try:

"Hello — my name is [Your Name]. I'm going to take your blood pressure now. It's quick and helps us check how your heart is working."

Step 2 — Wash your hands

Clean hands protect your patient and you. Use soap and water when available; otherwise use hand sanitizer. Do this every time.

Step 3 — Choose the right equipment

Pick a cuff that fits the person's upper arm. A cuff that's too small can give falsely high readings; too large can give falsely low readings. If in doubt, use the next size up rather than down.

Step 4 — Check your tools

Quickly inspect the cuff, tubing, and gauge for damage. Put the stethoscope earpieces in and tap the diaphragm so you know it's working. A short equipment check prevents wasted attempts.

Step 5 — Connect everything properly

Ensure the cuff tube is securely attached to the pump and gauge. A loose connection will let air escape and give an inaccurate result.

Step 6 — Position the person correctly

Have the person sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and back supported. The arm should rest on a table at heart level. Ask them to roll up the sleeve so the cuff sits on bare skin about 2–3 cm above the elbow crease. Wrap the cuff snugly — not too tight, not loose.

Step 7 — Find the right spot with your stethoscope

Place the stethoscope diaphragm in the antecubital fossa (the crease of the elbow) over the brachial artery — usually just medial to the biceps tendon. Hold it gently in place.

Step 8 — Take the measurement

1. Close the valve on the pump and inflate the cuff while watching the gauge.
2. Inflate to about 20–30 mmHg above the point where the pulse disappeared or roughly 30 mmHg above the expected systolic if known.
3. Open the valve slowly to deflate at about 2–3 mmHg per second while listening carefully.
4. The first clear "thump" you hear is the systolic pressure — record it.
5. Keep letting air out; when the sounds fade and disappear, that's the diastolic pressure — record it.
6. Open the valve fully to release remaining air and remove the cuff.

Step 9 — Understand what the numbers mean

A common reference is that around 120/80 mmHg is considered normal for many adults, but interpretation depends on age, health history, and local guidelines. If the reading is unusually high or low, consider rechecking after a few minutes or consulting a clinician.

Step 10 — Tell the person what's next

Share the numbers clearly and simply. For example:

"Your blood pressure is 135 over 85. That's a bit high today. Consider checking again in a few weeks and talk with your nurse or doctor."

Offer practical advice: lifestyle tips for long-term control, remind them to follow up, or advise urgent care if symptomatic (severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath).