Recording an ECG

Amplified

Prep

  • Explain procedure
  • Patient supine, chest exposed
  • Remove jewellery from wrists/ankles
  • Enter patient details in machine

Execute

Limb Leads

  • RA (white): Right arm
  • LA (black): Left arm
  • RL (green): Right leg
  • LL (red): Left leg
NOTE
White on right, smoke (black) over fire (red)
<Diagram src="/figures/skills/ecg-leads.svg" alt="12-lead ECG placement" caption="Limb leads + V1–V6 placement" />

Chest Leads

  • V1: Right sternal border, 4th ICS
  • V2: Left sternal border, 4th ICS
  • V3: Midway between V2 and V4
  • V4: 5th ICS, midclavicular line
  • V5: 5th ICS, anterior axillary line
  • V6: 5th ICS, midaxillary line
  • Ask patient to relax, stay still, don't talk
  • Wait for clean trace
  • Print

Finish

  • Remove electrodes, clean gel
  • Document time and any changes noted
Checklist Complete