Accuracy of rural EMS provider interpretation of three-lead ECG rhythm strips.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the accuracy of lead II rhythm strip interpretations performed by advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a rural emergency medical services (EMS) system.

METHODS

An electronic rhythm simulator was used to produce 24 three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strips. The rhythms were shown to 57 ALS EMTs participating in regularly scheduled continuing education classes. The participants were asked to identify the rhythms.

RESULTS

The three-lead ECG interpretations were generally accurate, although there was some difficulty in distinguishing between specific types of tachydysrhythmia and atrioventricular (AV) block. The overall accuracy of the rhythm interpretations was 79.2%, ranging from 45.6% (second-degree type II heart block) to 98.2% (sinus bradycardia). The sensitivity for specific tachydysrhythmias ranged from 68.4% (supraventricular tachycardia) to 86.0% (atrial fibrillation); the sensitivity for specific types of AV block ranged from 45.6% (second-degree, type II) to 71.9% (third-degree).

CONCLUSION

In this EMS system, ECG interpretations are generally accurate, with tachydysrhythmias and AV blocks being the source of most discrepancies.