Measurement of basic ECG level of pre-hospital emergency health services employees, the example of Kahramanmaraş

This study examines the basic electrocardiogram knowledge level of paramedics and emergency medical technicians working in pre-hospital emergency medical services. Healthcare personnel involved in pre-hospital emergency care frequently rely on ECG tests to aid in diagnosis. They must possess basic electrocardiography knowledge, particularly in relation to arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, peri-arrest, and arrest rhythms. In pre-hospital emergency care, the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with chest pain can be determined by performing an ECG, and appropriate diagnosis can be made based on the findings. In cases of cardiac arrest, after distinguishing between shockable and non-shockable rhythms, appropriate treatment is initiated. If a shockable arrest rhythm is present, defibrillation is applied to the patient. If the patient presents with complaints of palpitations, in the presence of tachycardia, treatment is initiated based on the rhythm. In addition to these symptoms, an ECG is also required in cases such as abdominal pain, back pain, dizziness, and syncope. The treatment of peri-arrest rhythms is determined based on the ECG results. For personnel working both in emergency departments and pre-hospital emergency services, the ECG has become an invaluable test. The research aims to assess the basic ECG knowledge of paramedics and emergency medical technicians working in pre-hospital healthcare services, identify any deficiencies, and address these gaps. It measures their knowledge level regarding electrocardiograms, arrhythmias, and the treatment of arrhythmias. By focusing on the most commonly encountered arrhythmias in patients, the study examines the knowledge level of healthcare professionals working in pre-hospital settings and highlights the relationships between them.