Medical Devices (EMT)

Question 1

Pulse Oximeter

(SpO2)

Answer 1

The pulse oximeter, or Pulse Ox, is an electronic device that measures the saturation of oxygen (SpO2) carried in your red blood cells, and the pulse rate (PR) in beats per minute of a patient.

Pulse oximeters can be attached to your fingers, forehead, nose, foot, ears or toes, and may then be reused or disposed of after use.

Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin relative to total hemoglobin in the blood.

The human body requires and regulates a very precise and specific balance of oxygen in the blood.

Normal arterial blood oxygen saturation levels in humans are between 94–99%.

Question 2

Zoll Monitor

Answer 2

ZOLL Cardiac Monitors continuously monitor a patient’s heart rhythm, automatically detecting and recording clinical arrhythmias as well as patient-initiated recordings.

Monitors can also detect SpO2 levels of a patient which aid in determining a patient’s breathing condition.

This information can then be automatically sent to the patient’s physician for review and diagnosis.

Question 3

Automated External Defibrillator

(AED)

Answer 3

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used an emergency device used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Cardiac Arrest Shockable Rhythms:

— Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib).
— Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (PVT).

Question 4

Telemetry Device

(TELE / Telemetry)

Answer 4

Telemetry is an observation tool that allows continuous ECG, RR, SpO2 monitoring while the patient remains active without the restriction of being attached to a bedside cardiac monitor. The patient group requiring telemetry are children diagnosed with a known/unknown arrhythmia, children at risk of an arrhythmia, or children anticipated to be at risk of sudden cardiac deterioration. Telemetry is not a replacement for patient visualisation and assessment.

Telemetry accuracy relies on skin preparation, electrode and lead placement, equipment maintenance, patient monitoring and education. Studies have shown that with appropriate education to the patient and family, patient safety is improved and anxiety associated with monitoring is reduced. Nurses who are able to identify ECG abnormalities are in prime position to prompt immediate action and lessen patient complications.