For how long should Amy check for a carotid pulse during her assessment?

The appropriate duration for checking a carotid pulse during an assessment is 5 to 10 seconds. This timeframe is critical because it provides sufficient opportunity to accurately assess the pulse's presence and strength without delaying other life-saving measures in an emergency situation. Checking for a pulse for too short a duration, such as less than 5 seconds, may result in missing a weak pulse or incorrectly assessing the patient's condition. Conversely, checking for too long, such as 10 to 15 seconds, could waste valuable time, especially in a scenario where every second counts. The 5 to 10 seconds range balances thoroughness and efficiency, making it the best practice in BLS protocols for health care providers.