Orange County Health Care Agency
Emergency Medical Services Treatment Guidelines #: B-30
Page: 1 of 2
Date: 9/09
12-LEAD ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY PLACEMENT PROCEDURE
Approved: TxGuide: 12-Lead: B-30
Implementation Date: 10-01-09
INDICATIONS:
For use on any patient as directed by ALS personnel on scene
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
None
EQUIPMENT:
12-lead capable cardiac monitor
Skin prep to include: alcohol swabs, razor, and 4x4 bandages
Sufficient quantity of electrodes for procedure
PROCEDURE:
1. Expose chest as necessary for placement of electrodes
2. Prepare chest skin by carefully removing body hair as needed for electrode placement
3. Place 12-lead pads under the direction of on-site ALS personnel. Refer to figure (1)
4. For female patients, use dorsal surface of hand to lift any body parts interfering with lead placement.
Do not place leads on top of breast.
DOCUMENTATION:
Document time for procedure
NOTES:
Leave leads in place unless directed to remove by ALS personnel.
Do not place defibrillator-pacer pads over electrocardiogram leads; remove leads before placing pads.
