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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.
2. The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element.
3. Prepare electrocardiography machine for use
   • Check cleanliness and settings of ECG machine prior to use in accordance with organisation procedures and infection control requirements
   • Prepare ECG leads in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
4. Prepare for ECG procedure
   • Greet client courteously and identify self
   • Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedure
   • Obtain, interpret and accurately record personal and clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
   • Provide complete and accurate information in easily understood language regarding the ECG procedure to client
   • Provide client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
   • Obtain consent following ethical and legal requirements
5. Prepare client for ECG procedure
   • Maintain client privacy and dignity throughout procedure
   • Follow standard infection control procedures
   • Position the client correctly and comfortably as recommended by manufacturer or organisation procedure for different client groups
   • Prepare client’s skin for electrode placement in accordance with organisation procedures and manufacturer instructions
   • Attach leads in accordance with procedure required and manufacturer’s recommendations, and double check lead placement
   • Identify potential client risks and advise supervisor if risk exists
6. Produce an ECG trace
   • Produce traceand check trace for diagnostic suitability
   • Identify and respond to situations where repeat trace is required
   • Forward trace to relevant organisation or medical officer for interpretation using required method of transmission according to organisation procedure
   • Record episode details in accordance with organisation procedures
7. Complete ECG process
   • Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client maintaining client privacy and ensuring skin integrity
   • Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of procedure
   • Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management procedures
   • Store ECG machine in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established technical, infection control and safety requirements and produced at least 3 different ECG traces satisfactory for diagnostic purpose

identified and responded appropriately to situations of interference, increased amplitude or wandering baseline

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations for ECGs, and how these are applied in organisations, including:

children in the workplace

duty of care

informed consent

mandatory reporting

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

records management

work role boundaries

work health and safety

standard infection control requirements

key features of AS/NZS 3200.1.2:2005 and AS/NZ 3551:2012 or their successors, in relation to ECG equipment,

client factors that affect ECG, including:

physical limitations

respiratory function

features, function and use of ECG equipment, including:

pre-checking and calibration procedures

electrical safety requirements

common problems and how to respond

routine maintenance requirements

sources of interference, including:

client

equipment

environment

quality requirements for ECG tracing

anatomy and physiology of the heart

normal and abnormal ECG rhythms

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