Initial care
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ECG Procedure: Patient's House and Ambulance
ECG at the Patient's House
Performing an ECG at the patient's house is convenient, especially if the patient is unwell or in bed.
Possible Constraints
In some cases, conducting the ECG at the patient's house may not be feasible due to:
- Noisy environment
- Presence of many family or friends
- Patient's discomfort
Transporting the Patient to the Ambulance
If ECG cannot be done at the house, consider transferring the patient to the ambulance.
Patient's Mobility
Assess the patient's ability to walk. If they have chest pain or discomfort, provide a chair to transport them safely.
Walking to the Ambulance
If the patient insists on walking and it is not medically contraindicated, ensure their safety by guiding them and using any available ramps.
Setting Up the Ambulance
Upon arrival at the ambulance, guide the patient and arrange the stretcher or chair according to their comfort and monitoring requirements.
Positioning on the Stretcher
Depending on the patient's preference:
- Laying down
- Sitting up with legs elevated
- Sitting in a chair (if necessary)
Ensuring Comfort
Address the patient's comfort by providing additional support:
- Using rolled-up blanket as a pillow
- Adjusting lighting conditions
- Allowing the patient to keep or remove glasses
- Checking footwear preference
Continuous Comfort Assessment
Regularly inquire about the patient's comfort and make necessary adjustments, such as changing positions or providing blankets.
Open Communication
Encourage the patient to communicate any discomfort or need for changes during the ECG procedure.