Last updated 8/2/25

MOBILE MONITORING EQUIPMENT

The Viatom Checkme Pro vital signs monitor.

We are using a new type of lightweight monitoring equipment. Have a look at the video clips below to see how it works. It is currently in all the Medical Sacs (except M5) and in the two Training Medical Sacs. Please use the Viatoms in the training sacs to familiarise yourself with using them. There are recharging ports in the training room and equipment room, so recharge after use. All the Viatoms are charged weekly (Mo has responsibility for this), however, if any Viatom is used on a rescue it MUST be re-charged when you return to Base. There is a spare charged Viatom on the shelf by the AutoPulse. You can use this one for quick re-packing and put the used one on charge on the shelf. Once charged unplug and repack.

Viatom monitor - blood pressure

Viatom monitor - ECG recording

Viatom monitor - SpO2 measurement

Viatom - monitoring on the move

 

Applying the BP cuff

  • Position the patient’s arm away from the body so that cuff can be easily wrapped around the arm. Ensure the arm with the applied cuff is not in contact with the patient’s body or any other object as this could affect the reading.

  • Align the artery index marker over the brachial artery.

  • Apply the cuff approximately at the level of the middle of the upper arm overlying the biceps muscle. Do not put it on as far down as the elbow as this will interfere with the reading.

  • The cuff must fit snugly without being uncomfortably tight.

  • Keep the patient's arm by their side. In this position, the cuff will be at the same level as the heart.

  • The hose must be free of kinks and not pinched.

Applying the ECG leads

Hairy individuals may have to have hair shaved from the electrode sites. If the casualty is clammy/sweaty do your best to dry the sites first.

When both leads are properly connected (Red to the right, Green to the Left), confirm that the monitor displays the ECG waveform, heart rate, as well as any other patient data if the appropriate leads are connected. ECG readings can be affected by movement so encourage the casualty to lie still and not talk while you are waiting for the monitor to record. The Viatom will tell you if it is a normal or abnormal rhythm. Take a picture of the waveform if this would be useful.

Applying the Pulse Oximeter & SpO₂ monitor

This gives us two readings - the pulse and the SpO₂

As with the ECG, the SpO₂ readings can be affected by movement. This is because the contraction of muscles creates electrical activity which the monitor picks up. If the fingers are cold this will also affect the reading.

ECG Rhythms Relevant To LAMRT

Whilst there are dozens of ECG rhythms, for our purposes in LAMRT, we only need to recognise two basic rhythms:

  • The normal ECG, also called normal sinus rhythm (shown above) + its common variants (very slow and very fast)

  • Asystole (see below)

FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF CLINICAL MANAGEMENT GET TO KNOW WHAT THE NORMAL LOOKS LIKE.

CONSIDER ANYTHING ELSE AS ABNORMAL, AND BE ON HEIGHTENED ALERT, PARTICULARLY IF THE PATIENT ALSO HAS CARDIAC SYMPTOMS.

There are two additional rhythms worth knowing:

  • Ventricular fibrillation

  • Ventricular tachycardia

Sinus Rhythm

This is the heart's normal rhythm when viewed on an ECG. If you only learn one rhythm this is the one to learn.  There are several requirements for a rhythm to be considered normal:

  • Rate between 60-100 beats per minute (in adults)

  • Regular i.e. the R waves are equally spaced out across the screen

  • There is a "P" wave present for every "QRS" complex

A Sinus Or Normal Rhythm