ECG Educational Standards for Prehospital Providers

Conclusion As the role of evidence-based medicine becomes more prominent in the field of emergency medicine, a clear view of the current state of ECG education and platform from which to implement uniform standards becomes increasingly essential; especially as research expands into the prehospital setting. Further research into EMS education may identify both strengths and weaknesses in basic ECG interpretation appropriate for first responders. Implementing minimum ECG interpretation standards for EMS personnel nationwide is one potential option to ensure prehospital educational institutions stay responsive to current scientific knowledge and best practice recommendations. This in turn may result in increased competency among prehospital providers and, by extension, better patient outcomes. References 1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. EMS makes a difference: Improved clinical outcomes and downstream healthcare savings. A position statement of the National EMS Advisory Council. Ann Emerg Med. 2011;57(2):170. 2. Benjamin EJ, Blaha MJ, Chiuve SE, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2017 update: A report from the American Heart Association. 2017;135(10):e146–e603. 3. Antman EM, Anbe DT, Armstrong PW, et al. ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: Executive summary: A report of the ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 1999 Guidelines on the Management of Patients Wi...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Training Exclusive Articles Cardiac & Resuscitation Source Type: news