The present invention is directed to a self-contained hand-held device that obtains vital signs accurately, simultaneously, comfortably, and quickly. Unlike currently used devices that require trained personnel and the attachment of sensors to the different parts of the patient's body, this device can obtain all vital signs+ECG and pulse-ox by being held by the patient for approximately half a minute. The device contains sensors on the hand-held unit as well as on the individual/disposable mouthpiece. The method of the present invention includes simultaneously acquiring the following measurements: temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and pulse-ox waveform and blood oxygen level.