Syncope with Acute Inferior STEMI and 3 Different AV Blocks

This is a case from the “old days” when prehospital 12-lead ECGs were still a bit of a novelty. Many of the details have been lost to time but patient’s heart rhythms will be the focus of this review. The patient was a young woman in her late 40s who presented with syncope while playing […]

December 28, 2015

Wide Complex Tachycardia Treated With Amiodarone and Synchronized Cardioversion

A 55 year old male presents to EMS with complaint of intermittent shortness of breath. Symptom onset occurred while he was taking his daily walk about 15 minutes prior to EMS arrival. The patient has a Glasgow Coma Score of 15, with a patent airway, clear lung sounds, and mild respiratory distress. Strong and regular […]

December 21, 2015

Guide to Understanding ECG Artifact

Artifact on the electrocardiogram can result from a variety of internal and external causes from Parkinsonian muscle tremors to dry electrode gel. Most of the time it will be obvious that you are dealing with artifact and troubleshooting the problem will be straight forward. However, there are occasions when artifact mimics ECG abnormalities that can […]

December 15, 2015

How to Master Tracheal Intubation

According to the 2000 AHA ACLS Guidelines, tracheal intubation should only be attempted “by healthcare providers experienced in performing this skill”, and expand further by stating that “ALS providers unable to obtain regular field experience… should use alternative, noninvasive techniques for airway management”. This year ILCOR examined evidence to determine if one airway is superior […]

December 15, 2015

Treating Supraventricular Tachycardia with Adenosine

EMS is called to a local medical clinic for a 53 year old female complaining of weakness and palpitations. Symptoms started earlier in the day at tennis camp. The patient experienced one other episode about 2 years prior that proved to be self-limiting. She takes no medications and has no known drug allergies. The patient […]

November 9, 2015