Physio Control LIFEPAK 20 - Monitoring ECG with Paddles Accessories

Monitoring
3-4 LIFEPAK 20 Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions
Monitoring ECG with Paddles Accessories
Anterior-lateral Placement
Anterior-lateral placement is the only placement that should be used for ECG monitoring with paddles
accessories.
1 Place either the ♥ or
+ therapy electrode or the apex paddle lateral to the patient’s left nipple in the
midaxillary line, with the center of the electrode in the midaxillary line, if possible.
Refer to
Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1 Anterior-lateral Placement
2 Place the other therapy electrode or sternum paddle on the patient’s upper right torso, lateral to the
sternum and below the clavicle as shown in Figure 3-1.
Special Placement Situations
When placing therapy electrodes or standard paddles, be aware of the special requirements in the
following possible situations.
Obese Patients or Patients with Large Breasts
Apply therapy electrodes or standard paddles to a flat area on the chest, if possible. If skin folds or
breast tissue prevent good adhesion, it may be necessary to spread skin folds apart to create a flat
surface.
Thin Patients
Follow the contour of the ribs and spaces when pressing the therapy electrodes or standard paddles
onto the torso. This limits air spaces or gaps under the electrodes and promotes good skin contact.
Patients with Implanted Pacemakers
If possible, place therapy electrodes or standard paddles away from internal pacemaker generator.
Patients with Implanted Defibrillators
Apply therapy electrodes or standard paddles in the anterior-lateral position and treat this patient as
any other patient requiring emergency care.
Paddles Monitoring Procedure
To monitor using therapy electrodes or standard paddles:
1 Press
ON. Adjust contrast if necessary.
2 Prepare the patient’s skin:
• Remove excessive chest hair as much as possible. Avoid nicking or cutting the skin. If possible,
avoid placing therapy electrodes or standard paddles over broken skin.
• Clean and dry the skin.
• Do not use alcohol, tincture of benzoin, or antiperspirant to prep the skin.
3 Apply the therapy electrodes or standard paddles in the anterior-lateral position.
Anterior
Lateral
FAST-PATCH
Electrodes
QUIK-COMBO
Electrodes
Standard
Paddles
Anterior
Lateral
Apex
Sternum