Today's skill is transcutaneous pacing.
The necessary equipment for this skill is
a monitor slash defibrillator
pacing pads
medication for sedation
and oxygen if necessary
and of course the appropriate PPE, gloves.
The first step to performing this skill
is to identify the rythm and condition that requires pacing.
We then make sure that our patient is adequately oxygenated
and has a patent IV line established.
The patient is assessed for pulse and blood pressure
and the pacing pads
are applied according to manufactures specifications.
After evaluating the scene for safety, we activate the pacer mode on the monitor.
We make sure that every QRS complex is recognized by the monitor
We set our pacer rate
at the appropriate level
and the energy setting at the lowest level possible.
The pacer energy selection has started at its lowest setting.
and is gradually increased until capture is acheived.
Capture is noted when there is a QRS complex after every pacer spike.
We then enquire about the patients allergies
and administer any medications necessary for comfort or sedation.
We reassess the patient to include blood pressure
and pulse
and monitor for any adverse effects of pacing.