Cardiac telemetry exercise program

To train cardiac consultants who interpret electrocardiogram rhythm strips from the field, we designed a series of prerecorded telemetered rhythms and discussions which can be sent into telemetry consoles. The patterns represent cardiac arrhythmias (eg, ventricular tachycardia, complete heart block, etc), as well as equipment problems (loose leads, misplaced leads, etc). We selected and modified some of the patterns of "Arrhythmia Resusci Anne" (Laerdal Medical Corporation), sent these through ambulance radios (to create a tone), recorded the signal on a standard tape recorder and dubbed in the monologue. The physician is asked to interpret the pattern and give instructions to the ambulance attendant. The answers and response times are recorded by the technician running the taped exercise. At the end of the quiz, the rhythms are replayed along with a discussion of each pattern.