Interpretation of 12 Leads

Due to the increase use of 12 lead ECG interpretation in the field we have begun to develop separate areas to help Paramedics understand and practice use of 12 Lead monitoring. This page is free for all and we hope you will find it useful.

Take a look at the new online video presentation. Click here.

Download a copy of Dubin's EKG Reference Sheets. Taken from Rapid Interpretation of EKG's and free for personal use. Click here to download.

Tips - Indications for Prehospital 12 Leads

The 12-lead ECG is useful for a number of cases aside from acute coronary events. Here is a partial list :

• Chest pain or anginal equivalents (dyspnea, syncope, near syncope, weakness, DKA, diaphoresis disproportionate to the environment, palpitations, etc.) 

• CVA (CVA is often associated with large anterior wall MI's and/or dysrhythmias) 

• Pre and post cardio-version of stable patients 

• Post cardio-version of unstable patients (including post arrest) 

• Suspected electrolyte disturbances 

• Overdose (unknown or suspected anti-depressant) 

• Blunt chest trauma (only after transport or more urgent care) 

• Dysrhythmia (to aid in the cause and diagnosis of the dysrhythmia) 

• Respiratory failure 

• Ventricular failure (CHF) 

Below are some helpful images and guides to help you understand 12 Lead ECG. We will be adding more info soon so check back.

Click image for larger view of 12 Lead Placement

Click image for larger view of Heart A&P

Click here to see lead placement and heart surface viewed.

Practice your 12-Lead Interpretation here. Click here

The table below lists the MI location and Artery affected

More Help

Patient’s Weight from Pounds to Kilograms

Patient wt. in kg. = Half of patient’s wt. (in lb.) minus 1/10 of that value.
Examples: 
180 lb. patient- becomes 90 minus 9 is 81kg
160 lb. patient- becomes 80 minus 8 is 72kg
140 lb. patient- becomes 70 minus 7 is 63kg
 

We now have practice testing for 12 lead interpretation and it is geared towards the new NYC REMAC Exam standards. You can order the current Paramedic testing series and practice for the test with current protocols and basic ECG recognition. Click here.

We do recommend you review the basics of ECG interpretation before looking at 12 Lead ECG's. This will help you in the long run. You can find many 12 lead books at AMAZON.COM at very reasonable pricing.

Just as an FYI. We found a great basic ECG simulator. This is very basic but can give you help overall if needed. Click Here to view.