BASIC ARRHYTHMIAS

Purpose of Module:

The purpose of this module is to learn to read and recognize basic arrhythmias and properly hook-up and use the Automated External Defibrillator.

Time to complete overview of Basic Arrhythmias: 2 hours

You must spend at least 1/2 hour doing hands-on training.
  1. Read the training objectives.
  2. Review Brady Emergency Care Eighth Edition, chapter 18.
  3. Review American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support, chapter 3.
  4. Watch videotape National Safety Council "AED Automated External Defibrillation."
  5. Watch videotape American Heart Association "ACLS Stable Tachycardia" and "ACLS Bradycardia."
  6. Properly hook-up and operate AED and read and recognize basic arrhythmias and print outs.
  7. Take the posttest.
  8. Give the module back to instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives
  1. Define the role of the EMT-B in the emergency cardiac care system.
  2. Explain the importance of pre-hospital Advance Cardiac Life Support Intervention.
  3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of automated external defibrillators.
  4. Discuss the special considerations for rhythm monitoring.
  5. Identify basic cardiac electrical rhythms and describe the characteristics of various rhythms.

Activities to Perform
  1. Watch videotape National Safety Council "AED Automated External Defibrillation."
  2. Watch videotapes American Heart Association "ACLS Stable Tachycardia" and "ACLS Bradycardia."
  3. Properly hook-up and operate AED and read and recognize basic arrhythmias and printouts.
  4. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

 

Posttest

1.  According to the American Heart Association there are four critical factors that affect the survival of cardiac arrest patients in its chain of survival concept.  Which of the following is not a factor:

a.  early CPR
b.  early defibrillation
c.  early diagnosis
d.  early access

2.  Below are the most common conditions that result in cardiac arrest.  Which are shockable rhythms?

1)  ventriclar tachycardia
2)  pulseless electrical activity
3)  asystole
4)  ventricular fibrillation

a.  1 and 2
b.  2, 3, and 4
c.  1 and 4
d.  all of the above

3.  The primary electrical disturbance resulting in cardiac arrest is:

a.  asystole
b.  ventricular fibrillation
c.  pulseless ventricular tachycardia
d.  pulseless electrical activity

4.  Which of the following is not a general principle of AED use:

a.  hook up oxygen before beginning defibrillation
b.  avoid contact with patient during rhythm analysis
c.  be sure everyone is "clear" before delivering shock
d.  avoid defibrillation in a moving ambulance

5.  When the AED is analyzing the patients heart rhythm the EMT-B must:

a.  continue the CPR compressions
b.  avoid touching the patient
c.  hyperventilate the patient
d.  reassess the carotid pulse
 

6.  A non-shockable rhythm that is commonly called "flatline" is named:

a.  pulseless electrical activity
b.  ventricular tachycardia
c.  asystole
d.  ventricular fibrillation