Gauge patient's blood pressure with a top-notch sphygmomanometer.. Although you can hear someone's heartbeat and breathing by placing one of your ears on his chest, a more professional way is to use a Sprague stethoscope.. Lister bandage scissors are a popular way to cut bandages to the desired length.. Check patients' pupils with disposable penlight: Pupil size and reactivity can provide vital diagnostic information in some instances..