15 Lead Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators
This article will explain the benefits of a 15 Lead Monitor/Defibrillator for active Fire Departments or Ambulance Companies. Use of this equipment meets or exceeds the established standard of emergency care for Advanced Life Support (ALS) teams.
This equipment has been explored in medical research and has been proven to save lives.
The described 15-lead monitor units are state of the art. Technology has improved greatly in the last decade and patients are the true winners when it comes to care. The units specifically monitor the following vital signs in emergency patients: 1) End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2). This applies to all patients – those who are intubated and those who are not intubated as patients, 2) SpO2, 3) Carbon Monoxide monitoring, 4) Methemoglobin ability monitoring and 5) Glucose monitoring.
False reads have become a thing of the past with this equipment. When using older and non-effective equipment, paramedics or EMTS can conclude that a patient is suffering cardiac complication when the patient is actually in diabetic distress. Then provided the appropriate treatment may actually be the incorrect treatment and may actually harm the patient.
15 lead units have the advantage of 15 available leads. They offer a metronome-like tool which guides CPR compressions and ventilations. Energy is available up to 360J. The unit’s semi-automated and manual defibrillation with capnography is available. There is external pacing; a superior 15-lead electrocardiography and many other options that help monitor vitals.
The display screens are glare-free and are very easy to read, even in bright sunlight or with bright interior lighting in ambulances or rescue units. It is imperative that the screen display gives paramedics and EMTs the data needed to make important patient care decisions. The instance of attendant error is reduced.
These units possess Bluetooth capabilities. This means that they can transmit essential information to a hospital where the victim/patient will be taken. The transmittal is automatic and hospital emergency rooms can better prepare to receive a patient. This can speed up care since the patient will already be diagnosed and proper triage can take place upon arrival. Precious minutes will never be lost. Paramedics and EMTs will increase their success rates and truly increase productivity in their very important professions.
The $28,000 cost of the 15-lead cardiac monitors with EKG/AED is more than worth the expense when one considers that it can save lives of patients time and time again. If your department is considering a grant for this product, then the assistance to firefighters grant offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a great place to start.
The level of patient care will increase dramatically with a 15 lead monitor/defibrillator. Abilities of paramedics and EMTs will improve. Everyone wins with the availability of this equipment.