Monroe Community College - State University of New York

Public Safety Training Facility

Monroe Community College
Rochester, New York

MCC Paramedic Program Case of the Month 01/05

EKG Tracing

INTERPRETATION: Sinus Rhythm with frequent PACs that are followed by echo beats. One PAC is a non-conducted PAC.

This tracing caused heated debate between many health care professionals. Some thought it was Atrial fib while others thought it was a A-V heart block. It is difficult because it requires advanced training in arrhythmias. Most paramedics do not receive in depth education in advanced arrhythmias. We include advanced arrhythmias and Laddergram theory in our Paramedic Refreshers. May be it's time to attend one.

Echo or reciprocal beats are beats that depend on the previous beat for their existance. They are a type of one beat circus re-entry. For more information see the MCC Paramedic staff.

Click here to go back

Click here to return to Continuing Education