What does a capillary refill time of more than 2 seconds suggest?

A capillary refill time of more than 2 seconds indicates possible poor perfusion or dehydration. This assessment involves observing the time it takes for color to return to an area of the skin after it has been compressed. Normally, capillary refill should take 2 seconds or less, reflecting adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. When the refill time exceeds 2 seconds, it suggests that there may be a restriction in blood flow to the area, which can occur due to various factors such as low blood volume (dehydration) or compromised circulatory efficiency (poor perfusion). It's important for emergency responders, such as EMTs, to recognize this sign as it can help assess a patient's overall circulatory status and identify potential shock or other serious conditions that may require immediate intervention.