ECG Education - 12 Lead Placement

This comprehensive educational resource provides a complete, clinically grounded introduction to 12-lead ECG acquisition and interpretation. Developed by the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) and the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI), this course supports healthcare professionals across EMS, emergency medicine, cardiology, and related fields in strengthening their foundational ECG skills.
 
The content covers essential principles of electrocardiography, indications for obtaining 12-lead and 15-lead ECGs, proper electrode placement, troubleshooting common challenges, and identifying STEMI patterns and STEMI mimics. Step-by-step visuals demonstrate correct lead positioning, right-sided and posterior ECG techniques, and examples of real-world tracing errors. The course also outlines prehospital care pathways, best practices for rapid STEMI recognition, and strategies for reducing time-to-treatment.
 
Designed as a ready-to-use teaching tool, this file is suitable for classroom instruction, self-paced learning, and agency-based training programs. Instructors can use the included diagrams, case examples, and review sections to enhance ECG competency and support system-wide improvement in acute cardiac care.