Abstract
A questionnaire survey was conducted among the EMTs and paramedics who gave a lecture on electrocardiography to clarify questions and demands in the emergency field. The subjects were 62 EMTs and 20 paramedics belonging to fire departments in Shimane Prefecture. Lectures were given on the current status of prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram, how to apply the monitor and 12-lead electrocardiogram and its tips, the reading of frequent electrocardiograms, the reading of electrocardiograms of acute myocardial infarction, and the reading of electrocardiograms of tachyarrhythmias. The questionnaire was designed to determine the comprehension level of the EMTs and paramedics about the above lecture content, evaluation of ST changes, and differentiation of ST changes from leg block, and their understanding of the specular phenomenon. Differences in recognition and understanding by occupation were significantly higher for EMTs than for paramedics for all questions. The recognition by item was significantly lower for the differentiation of ST changes from bundle branch block than for the evaluation of ST changes. Although EMTs and paramedics commonly understood the evaluation of ST changes, they tended to have insufficient knowledge in differentiating ST changes from the bundle branch block, which may lead to incorrect interpretation at the scene of an emergency. We will prepare a lecture focusing on the items that were poorly understood to deepen understanding and improve the quality of reporting and collaboration among EMTs, paramedics, and hospitals.
