ECG
1. Place patient in a relaxed position and reassure.
2. Attach the limb leads to hairless distal aspects of the limbs, ensuring a good electrical contact with gel or adhesive pads. These leads are usually colour coded:
¨ RA—Right arm RED
¨ LA—Left arm YELLOW
¨ LF-Left foot GREEN
¨ RF—Right foot BLACK
(Ride Your Green Bike)
3. Attach the chest leads as follows:
¨ V1 Right sternal edge, 4th intercostal space
¨ V2 Left sternal edge, 4th intercostal space
¨ V3 Half way between V2 and V4
¨ V4 Mid clavicular line, 5th intercostal space
All subsequent leads are at the same horizontal level as the V4 lead
¨ V5 Anterior axillary line
¨ V6 Mid axillary line
As a guide, the second intercostal space is just below the sternal angle. V4 should correspond to the apex beat of the heart.
4. Most ECG machines are fully automated and will add a rhythm strip to the tracing. Ask the patient to remain perfectly still during the recording and do not touch the leads or patient during this time.