Understanding ECG’s
February 2003
Flight Medic Course (ACLS)
, Objectives
Describe the basic approach to
interpretation of ECG strips
Explain the five steps used in
interpretation of ECG strips
Explain how to calculate heart rate, PRI,
and QRS complex, given a 6-second strip
Identify different types of ECG strips
pertaining to ACLS
,The Electrical Conduction System
SA Node
AV Node
Bundle of HIS
Purkinje Fibers
, The Electrical Conduction System
SA node: Fastest rate of automaticity.
“Primary” pacemaker of the heart.
– Rate: 60 to 100 bpm
AV node: Has a delay which allows for
atrial contraction and a more filling of the
ventricles.
– Rate: 40-60 bpm
February 2003
Flight Medic Course (ACLS)
, Objectives
Describe the basic approach to
interpretation of ECG strips
Explain the five steps used in
interpretation of ECG strips
Explain how to calculate heart rate, PRI,
and QRS complex, given a 6-second strip
Identify different types of ECG strips
pertaining to ACLS
,The Electrical Conduction System
SA Node
AV Node
Bundle of HIS
Purkinje Fibers
, The Electrical Conduction System
SA node: Fastest rate of automaticity.
“Primary” pacemaker of the heart.
– Rate: 60 to 100 bpm
AV node: Has a delay which allows for
atrial contraction and a more filling of the
ventricles.
– Rate: 40-60 bpm
