User Manual

Monitoring

3-4 LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions

Monitoring ECG with Paddles Accessories

Anterior-lateral Placement

Anterior-lateral placement is the only placement that should be used for ECG monitoring with

paddles accessories.

1 Place either the

♥ or + therapy electrode or the apex paddle lateral to the patient’s left nipple in

the midaxillary line, with the center of the electrode in the midaxillary line, if possible. Refer to

Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1 Anterior-lateral Placement

2 Place the other therapy electrode or sternum paddle on the patient’s upper right torso, lateral

to the sternum and below the clavicle as shown in Figure 3-1.

Special Placement Situations

When placing therapy electrodes or standard paddles, be aware of the special requirements in

the following possible situations.

• Obese Patients or Patients with Large Breasts — Apply therapy electrodes or standard

paddles to a flat area on the chest, if possible. If skin folds or breast tissue prevent good

adhesion, it may be necessary to spread skin folds apart to create a flat surface.

• Thin Patients — Follow the contour of the ribs and spaces when pressing the therapy

electrodes or standard paddles onto the torso. This limits air spaces or gaps under the

electrodes and promotes good skin contact.

• Patients with Implanted Pacemakers — If possible, place therapy electrodes or standard

paddles away from internal pacemaker generator.

• Patients with Implanted Defibrillators — Apply therapy electrodes or standard paddles in

the anterior-lateral position and treat this patient as any other patient requiring emergency

care.

Paddles Monitoring Procedure

To monitor using therapy electrodes or standard paddles:

1 Press

ON.

2 Prepare the patient’s skin:

• Remove excessive chest hair as much as possible. Avoid nicking or cutting the skin. If

possible, avoid placing therapy electrodes or standard paddles over broken skin.

• Clean and dry the skin.

• Do not use alcohol, tincture of benzoin, or antiperspirant to prep the skin.

FAST-PATCH

Electrodes

QUIK-COMBO

Electrodes

Standard

Paddles

Lateral

Sternum

Apex