Easy 12 Lead prep and application?

[AmeriMedic21]

Hello fellow EMS ladies and gentlemen. I had a question. I just got done running a cardiac call in which i applied a 12 lead for my partner (we are allowed). Every time I go to do this, I get really frustrated with the cables getting tangled up, cause it always happens to me. So I was thinking about an easy way to have a tangle free and headache free solution. I was thinking about getting wax paper or something that will allow the electrode patches retain their stickiness, and then attaching the leads to the electrode patches, and then neatly putting it away in our lifepak 12 case for next time usage. I suggested this to my partner who stated that the if the limb leads are applied to the electrode patches for an extensive amount of time, they wont stay attached to the electrode patches. Is this true? If so how do you guys do it?

Thanks.

Ryan S.

 

[mycrofft]

Once the airtight seal is broken on any electrodes (AED, EKG, Holter monitor, EEG), it is time to use them or lose them.
Ease of application comes with practice, and taking the time to take care of the wires. You will not only have to put them away neatly, but periodically check and clean them (like, after every run and once a week). They can get corroded, break from being bent (wound up) too tightly, etc.

This is like leaving the O2 cylinder valve open and the regulator turned to OFF. Many things that look like they will save time and effort, but in real practice other factors intrude. Keep thinking though.

 

[Akulahawk]

Something that I do, or more correctly did, was simply ensure that the EKG cables were put away neatly. That way when I take the cable out, nothing is tangled. That has the result of lessening much frustration…

 

[Medic Tim]

Get in a rhythm or habit of placing the leads in the same order/way every time. Rushing can lead to poor placement and tangled wired which can cause more artifact. Take the extra few seconds to untangle the leads before placing them.......better yet, during your rig check make sure they are untangled and not just thrown in their pouch all tangled up. applying the electrodes to wax paper or whatever may work if you use them that day, but if left that way can and will dry out.

 

[Sasha]

When you put them away make sure you wind them up nicely and just don't shove them in. It's bad for the leads and when you take it out again they'll unwrap neatly.

Breathe. Slow down. Don't rush. When you rush mistakes are made. Accurate lead placement is very important and its not something you want to make a mistake on.

If you're still a jumbled mess grab the little round part of the next lead you are going to use and separate it from the rest, apply.

 

[EMT John]

The only "trick" I've seen is taping 2 of the wires together. 1-2,3-4,5-6. That way it's less wires waving around. Other then that just putting them away nice and neat works for me.

 

[Handsome Robb]

Wrap the cables from the connector end rather than the electrode ends and it wont get tangled up when you unravel it if you take the time to disentangle them when you are putting them away.

We leave leads on all of our monitor cables. 4 lead and 12 leads alike but we are a pretty busy system and use the monitor multiple times a day.