The Medical Equipment Technologies (ECG, Defibrillators, Pacemakers) course offered by the British Academy for Training and Development is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the key medical technologies used in critical care settings. The course focuses on three vital pieces of medical equipment: Electrocardiograms (ECGs), defibrillators, and pacemakers. These devices are integral to the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions, and maintaining their functionality is critical for patient safety.

This course will equip participants with the necessary skills to properly operate, maintain, and troubleshoot ECGs, defibrillators, and pacemakers. Participants will learn how these devices work, how to perform regular maintenance, and how to troubleshoot common issues, ensuring that the equipment is always in optimal working condition to support patient care.

Who Should Attend?

• Biomedical engineers and technicians.
• Healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals.
• Medical equipment service engineers.
• Healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of critical care technologies.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Understand the principles of operation for ECGs, defibrillators, and pacemakers.
• Perform regular maintenance and calibration of ECG, defibrillator, and pacemaker devices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common technical issues related to these devices.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations in the maintenance of medical equipment.
• Develop effective maintenance schedules and procedures for the safe operation of these critical care devices.

• Overview of Medical Equipment
  • Types of medical equipment used in critical care.
  • Importance of ECGs, defibrillators, and pacemakers in patient care.
  • Overview of safety protocols when using critical care medical devices.
• Basic Principles of Operation
  • How ECG machines monitor and record heart activity.
  • Understanding the operation of defibrillators and their role in resuscitation.
  • How pacemakers regulate heart rhythms and prevent arrhythmias.

• Components of an ECG System
  • Electrodes, amplifiers, and the signal processing unit.
  • Key components: Lead wires, paper, and printouts.
  • The role of ECGs in diagnosing cardiac conditions.
• Maintenance and Calibration of ECG Systems
  • Performing regular calibration of ECG machines.
  • Cleaning and maintaining the electrodes and other components.
  • Troubleshooting common issues in ECG devices, such as signal interference.

• Common ECG Issues
  • Understanding and resolving poor signal quality.
  • Addressing common errors in ECG printouts.
  • Dealing with electrode malfunction and lead failure.
• ECG System Diagnostics
  • Using diagnostic tools to assess ECG functionality.
  • Testing ECG output against standard parameters.
  • Evaluating the condition of cables, leads, and electrodes.

• Types of Defibrillators
  • Manual vs. automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
  • How defibrillators deliver a shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
  • Key components of defibrillators: Battery, capacitors, and paddles.
• Maintenance of Defibrillators
  • Ensuring battery life and testing defibrillator charging capabilities.
  • Performing regular checks of the defibrillator’s functionality.
  • Proper handling of paddles, cables, and electrodes.

• Identifying Common Defibrillator Issues
  • Low battery or charging failure.
  • Inconsistent shock delivery or failure to shock.
  • Malfunctions in electrodes or cables.
• Testing and Calibration
  • Performing defibrillator self-tests and manual checks.
  • Verifying defibrillator energy levels and shock protocols.
  • Diagnosing problems in the capacitors and electrical components.

• Components and Function of Pacemakers
  • Internal components: Pulse generator, leads, and electrodes.
  • How pacemakers regulate heart rhythms to prevent arrhythmias.
  • Types of pacemakers: Single-chamber, dual-chamber, and biventricular pacemakers.
• Pacemaker Installation and Maintenance
  • Procedures for pacemaker implantation and monitoring.
  • Ensuring proper battery life and function.
  • Importance of lead integrity and function.

• Common Pacemaker Issues
  • Low battery indications and troubleshooting.
  • Addressing irregular pacemaker signals or inappropriate pacing.
  • Troubleshooting lead fractures or displacements.
• Diagnosing Pacemaker Malfunctions
  • Using pacemaker analyzers to monitor device function.
  • Interpreting pacing thresholds and impedance readings.
  • Verifying and adjusting pacemaker settings.

• Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
  • Overview of international standards: ISO, IEC, and FDA regulations.
  • The role of healthcare professionals in maintaining compliance.
  • Documentation and reporting of maintenance and repairs.
• Safety Protocols for ECG, Defibrillators, and Pacemakers
  • Ensuring the safety of patients and technicians during maintenance activities.
  • Adhering to electrical safety guidelines.
  • Importance of patient data privacy and confidentiality when working with devices.

• Developing a Preventive Maintenance Plan
  • Creating schedules for routine checks and device testing.
  • Identifying key maintenance tasks for ECG, defibrillators, and pacemakers.
  • Best practices for equipment handling and care.
• Extending the Lifespan of Medical Devices
  • Techniques for preserving the functionality of ECGs, defibrillators, and pacemakers.
  • Minimizing wear and tear on device components.
  • Planning for the replacement of battery and critical parts.

• Using Diagnostic Equipment for Advanced Troubleshooting
  • Utilizing oscilloscopes, multimeters, and analyzers for advanced diagnostics.
  • Techniques for diagnosing subtle issues in device performance.
  • Understanding device signals and waveforms for effective troubleshooting.
• Simulating Faults and Troubleshooting in Real-Time
  • Setting up fault simulations for hands-on practice.
  • Solving complex issues related to power, pacing, and signal processing.
  • Conducting final tests after repairs and troubleshooting.

• Spare Parts Management
  • Ensuring the availability of essential parts like batteries, electrodes, and cables.
  • Best practices for storing and managing medical device components.
  • Identifying critical spare parts for ECGs, defibrillators, and pacemakers.
• Supplier and Vendor Management
  • Building relationships with suppliers for timely part replacements.
  • Negotiating prices and delivery times.
  • Evaluating the quality of spare parts and components.