User Manual

4 Therapy

Therapy

LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator/Monitor Operating Instructions 4-3

THERAPY ELECTRODE AND STANDARD PADDLE PLACEMENT

The following paragraphs describe therapy electrodes and standard paddles placement,

including special placement situations.

Anterior-lateral Placement

Anterior-lateral placement allows for ECG monitoring, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion,

and noninvasive pacing.

1 Place either the

♥ or + therapy electrode, or 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 4-1.

Figure 4-1 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 4-1.

Anterior-posterior Placement

Anterior-posterior is an alternative position for noninvasive pacing, manual defibrillation, and

synchronized cardioversion, but not for ECG monitoring or automated defibrillation. The ECG

signal obtained through electrodes in this position is not a standard lead. (For pediatric

applications, see "Pediatric Defibrillation," page 4-21.)

1 Place either the

♥ or + therapy electrode over the left precordium as shown in Figure 4-2. The

upper edge of the electrode should be below the nipple. Avoid placement over the nipple, the

diaphragm, or the bony prominence of the sternum if possible.

2 Place the other electrode behind the heart in the infrascapular area as shown in Figure 4-2.

For patient comfort, place the cable connection away from the spine. Do not place the

electrode over the bony prominences of the spine or scapula.

FAST-PATCH

Electrodes

QUIK-COMBO

Electrodes

Standard

Paddles

Lateral

Sternum

Apex