Product Review: Rapid Cardiac Arrhythmia Tool is a post from: Everyday EMS Tips Would you like your EMS product, service, book, or event reviewed for EverydayEMSTips readers? View our  product review guidelines . When I first learned to read ECGs (aka EKGs) I tried to collect a set of strips from a monitor connected to a rhythm generator. I quickly had an envelope stuffed with strips that had been folded, crumpled, and frayed. As I made notes on the strip to analyze the rhythm the strip could not be used again. I also tried several computer programs but was never satisfied with not being able to hold the strip in my hands, count the squares, or easily measure or eyeball the intervals. Since I was never satisfied with the tools I had that is why I am so excited about the Rapid Cardiac Arrhythmia Tool for learning and teaching ECG interpretation. About the R-CAT The Rapid Cardiac Arrhythmia Tool is an eight panel laminated card for teaching and learning basic cardiac rhythm interpretation. The front panel includes a diagram of the cardiac electrical conduction system and the main things to evaluate when examining any rhythm strip like the p-wave and p-r interval. Inside are seven 8 1/2″ x 11″ panels that display 41 different cardiac rhythms – from normal sinus to asystole. Created by an Educator The Rapid Cardiac arrhythmia Tool was created by Gary Krause a trauma nurse specialist and ACLS instructor. He is also the designer and marketer of the R-CAT. I am always intrigued by products developed by educators and patient care providers that have an idea and go for it. Gary had an idea to make a teaching tool and he did it on his own. When I met Gary at the Wisconsin EMS Association conference he enthusiastically demonstrated how to use the tool for teaching by drawing on the laminated surface with a dry erase marker. An educator could use this handy feature to illustrate the electrical conduction system, where blocks occur, and key differences in each rhythm.

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