Designed specifically for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year student paramedics, this step-by-step guide is your essential companion for interpreting 12-lead ECGs during placements.
With clear, concise steps, this pocketbook equips you with the knowledge and skills to confidently analyse ECGs in real-world scenarios:
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Step 1 - Assess the rhythm: Quickly recognise and evaluate the heart rhythm to determine if it is regular or irregular.
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Step 2 - Calculate the rate: Master the calculation of heart rate to identify whether it falls within the normal range or is too fast or slow.
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Step 3 - Identify the rhythm in detail: Examine 12-lead ECG examples of common rhythm abnormalities, enhancing your ability to spot and understand them.
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Step 4 - Calculate the cardiac axis: Learn to identify left, right, and extreme axis deviations (the easy way).
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Step 5 - Measure the PR interval: Differentiate between normal and abnormal PR intervals with multiple ECG examples, aiding in the identification of conduction abnormalities and heart blocks.
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Step 6 - Assess for pathological Q waves: Recognise pathological Q waves to help detect conditions such as previous myocardial infarctions.
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Step 7 - Assess the QRS complex: Identify a normal QRS duration and learn to spot causes of abnormally broad QRS complexes such as bundle branch blocks, paced rhythms, and PVCs.
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Step 8 - Assess the R wave: Assess for R wave progression to help recognise signs of ventricular hypertrophy.
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Step 9 - Assess the ST segment: Explore ST segment changes related to STEMIs, a critical skill for recognising acute myocardial infarctions.
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Step 10 - Assess the T waves: Learn what’s normal, and how to identify tall or abnormally inverted T waves suggesting a pathological cause.
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Step 11 - Assess the QT interval: Measure and interpret the QT (and QTc) interval to spot abnormalities that can potentially lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Bonus chapter - Cardiac arrest rhythms: Familiarise yourself with rhythms encountered in cardiac arrest situations, such as pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and ventricular fibrillation.
With its clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive content, this pocketbook helps student paramedics enhance their ECG interpretation skills and make informed clinical decisions. Whether you’re identifying barn door STEMIs or subtle ECG abnormalities, this guide will give you the confidence to excel on placement.