From left to right: Diane Coffey, RN, with Carillion Lifeguard Service, EMT/patient Ben Campbell, trainees Cody Main and Chandra Traylor.

12 Lead System Explained   Diane Coffey, RN, with Carillion Lifeguard Service instructed members of the Fairfield Volunteer Rescue Squad in the use of the new 12 lead portable EKG system which will soon be in use on the Fairfield Squad ambulances. The 12 lead system will allow trained EMTs to transmit information on a cardiac patient directly to a hospital while on the way to the facility. Patients will be diagnosed by a doctor in the receiving hospital so that care can be started in the ambulance before their arrival and preparations may be made for immediate treatment. Ms. Coffey instructed EMTs, students in training and drivers in the proper placement of all 12 attachment points to create the most accurate EKG report. She emphasized the importance of locating the 4th and 5th intercostals spaces on the chest to begin the attachment of the leads. Other leads are to follow in a specified pattern in their placement on the chest along with 4 more limb leads to be placed on the arms and legs. Further instruction will be given on how to transmit the EKG to the receiving hospital.

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