Procedure Protocols

Question 1

12-Lead EKG Indications

Answer 1

• Sign/Symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) such as:
  • Non-traumatic chest or upper abdominal discomfort
  • Syncope/near-syncope
  • Acute generalized weakness
  • Dyspnea
• Cardiac dysthymias on 4-lead EKG
• ROSC following cardiac arrest

Question 2

Pleural Decompression Indications

Answer 2

Suspected tension pneumothorax with absent or diminished breath sounds & one or both of the following:

• Combined hypotension (SBP <90) and SpO2 <94%
• Penetrating injury to the thorax
• Traumatic cardiac arrest or multi-system trauma is suspected