Electronic Patient Care Monitoring

One of the most complex and intricate pieces of electronic equipment carried on your ambulance is the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor.  Unfortunately, while this same piece of equipment is one of the most sensitive electronic devices carried in your vehicles, it is also subjected to some of the most abuse including accidental bumps, drops, falls and unforeseen moisture exposure. 

During the recent Risk Control survey, it was indicated that your agency’s ECG monitors are not being tested, serviced or re-calibrated on a regular basis.  To help insure the reliability of this equipment, your organization should implement a procedure for periodic and documented preventative maintenance. We recommend that the ECG monitors are tested/serviced in compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines but not less than an annual basis and the results of the testing/service documented.  This will allow any problems or malfunctions to be identified more readily and provide proof of maintenance should the reliability of the equipment be called into question.

All ECG monitor preventative maintenance should be performed by the manufacturer, a manufacturer’s representative or a qualified biomedical service technician.  In all cases the service provider should use state-of-the-art calibration and testing equipment to ensure that electrical safety parameters and essential connections meet all Original Equipment Manufacturer’s guidelines, AAMI standards, as well as requirements of JCAHO, and OSHA.