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I always hated that statement as well. A lot of your treatment comes from the equipment. You generally can't just look at your patient and start treating them without using the monitor and other equipment. Although vitals do make a difference in what you do, they aren't everything, especially in this situation. I would have crapped a cinder block. The ECG section is a fantastic idea. Post an interesting strip, explain it, patient condition... I'm all for that! I'd lurk around that section quite a bit. Great thinking DOC!

You know, there seems to be a saying around here (and EMS in general), "Treat the pt, not the monitor." I cannot stand this statement. The monitor is part of your assesment. It is no different than if you found an obviously deformed forearm on a pt who fell. There are just some 12 leads that you cannot ignore, despite how your pt looks or is feeling. This would be one of those. This is a STEMI, unless your cath tells you otherwise. Does it really matter what her symptoms are? You will be very hard pressed to find someone that would say, "Eh, since she has no chest pain and her vitals are stable, that is probably her base line." Maybe we should have a section for interesting EKGs/rhythm strips.

OH YA.... You assume that is what us Canadians are thinking Eh?? Jeez, yet another pregidous Doc /sarcasm