Acquiring A 12 Lead ECG By The EMT-basic

The correct answer is ST (segment) Elevation Myocardial Infarction. This abbreviation refers to a specific type of heart attack where there is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, leading to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle. The ST segment on an ECG represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization, and elevation of this segment can indicate myocardial infarction. It is important for EMS personnel to be aware of STEMI as it requires immediate medical intervention.

Obtaining more than one 12 lead ECG tracing is desirable during the EMS run with a suspected AMI patient because the ECG can change over time and with EMS treatment. Comparing previous 12 leads can be beneficial in monitoring the patient's condition and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.

When placing limb and chest leads, correct placement of electrodes is important. The correct answer is "clavicles, chest, intercostal spaces, sternum, axillary." These are the areas of the chest where landmarks are located to ensure accurate placement of the electrodes. The clavicles, chest, sternum, and axillary regions provide reference points for electrode placement, while the intercostal spaces help determine the correct positioning between the ribs.

EMT-Basics obtaining 12 lead ECGs can avoid unnecessary delays in patient transportation. This is because they can quickly assess the patient's condition and transmit the 12 lead ECG to the emergency department (ED) for further evaluation. This process is supported by written protocols and authorization from medical direction, ensuring that EMT-Basics are trained and authorized to perform this task. Therefore, all the given statements are true.

The LP15 may not have been able to acquire the reading/tracing due to various reasons. One possible reason is that the patient was raising his head and pulling on the cot side bars, which could have caused movement and interference with the electrode placement. Another reason could be that an electrode was not firmly attached to the patient's chest, resulting in poor contact and signal quality. Additionally, operating the suction machine directly over the LP15 could have caused electrical interference and disrupted the reading. There may be other factors not mentioned that could also affect the LP15's ability to acquire the reading/tracing.

When placing chest leads, we are primarily concerned with locating the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces. These spaces are important for accurate placement of the leads to obtain the best electrical activity of the heart. The leads are typically placed in specific positions on the chest to capture the electrical signals from different areas of the heart. The 4th and 5th intercostal spaces are commonly used because they provide good access to the heart and are close to the anatomical location of the heart's electrical activity.

The correct answer is 4,6. This means that before acquiring the 12 lead ECG, there are 4 limb leads and 6 chest leads that need to be placed. The limb leads are placed on the arms and legs, while the chest leads are placed on specific locations on the chest. These leads help to capture the electrical activity of the heart from different angles, providing a more comprehensive view of the heart's function.

Skin preparation to remove oils and shaving excessively hairy areas on the chest help in improving the contact between the skin and the electrodes, resulting in a clearer ECG tracing. Having the patient in a reclining position and remaining still reduces movement artifacts, which can interfere with the accuracy of the ECG. Pausing at a stop sign or briefly pulling off the street helps to minimize motion artifacts caused by the movement of the vehicle. Therefore, all these measures are important in obtaining a clear ECG reading.

The correct answer is to prep the skin by lightly scrubbing it with an alcohol and gauze pad for good electrode contact. This is the first step after explaining the procedure to the patient because it is important to ensure proper electrode contact for an accurate ECG reading. Scrubbing the skin with alcohol and gauze pads helps to remove any oils, dirt, or sweat that may interfere with the electrode's ability to stick to the skin and transmit the electrical signals from the heart effectively. This step is crucial in obtaining a clear and reliable ECG reading.

This statement serves as a helpful memory aid for placing the limb leads correctly. It reminds us that the white lead should be placed over the right side of the body, while the black lead should be placed over the left side of the body where the heart is located. This is important for obtaining accurate readings during an electrocardiogram (ECG) test.

Pre-attaching the lead wires to the electrodes before placing them onto the chest helps to improve patient comfort. This allows the EMT to simply position the electrodes onto the chest without having to apply additional pressure or attach the wires afterwards. This method minimizes any discomfort or potential pain that may be caused by pressing the electrodes onto the chest.

Acquiring/transmitting a 12 lead ECG is necessary for all EMS providers because time is crucial in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The statement implies that the faster patients can be identified for reperfusion therapy, the better the chances of saving heart muscle. Acquiring a 12 lead ECG in the field can potentially change the treatment approach for suspected AMI patients, allowing for quicker and more appropriate interventions. This emphasizes the importance of EMS providers having the ability to perform this procedure.