Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:45 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:45 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Perform electrocardiography (ECG)
Perform electrocardiography (ECG)
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCA401D
HLTCA401D
State Code
WD079
WD079
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2014
Nominal Hours
90
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine and to provide a client's ECG trace
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare electrocardiography machine for use
- 1.1 CheckECG machine is in good working order
- 1.2 Store ECG leads in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
2. Prepare client for ECG procedure
- 2.1 Receive and process the request for an ECG in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
- 2.2 Identify the client correctly following the organisation's guidelines for preventing client misidentification
- 2.3 Reassure and provide complete information regarding the ECG procedure appropriately
- 2.4 Involve the client fully in discussions about their treatment using language they can understand
- 2.5 Provide the client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
- 2.6 Record client information
- 2.7 Review client medical history and address pre-existing conditions
- 2.8 Obtain and document consent following ethical and legal requirements
3. Attach ECG electrodes
- 3.1 Maintain the client's privacy and dignity throughout procedure
- 3.2 Complete preparation of client's skin for electrode placement as required
- 3.3 Position the client correctly and comfortably and place electrodes in accordance with client's needs and current standards
- 3.4 Attach leads correctly and double check lead placement
- 3.5 Advise supervisor or an appropriate person if you think a client may be at risk
4. Produce an ECG trace
- 4.1Produce trace and check for interference, wandering baseline and amplitude
- 4.2 Repeat trace if interference, increased amplitude or wandering baseline is identified
- 4.3 Identify and action abnormal ECG patterns which require immediate medical attention
- 4.4 Forward trace to cardiologist or requesting medical officer for reading
- 4.5 Record test details according to department and organisation procedures
5. Complete ECG process
- 5.1 Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client
- 5.2 Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of procedure
- 5.3 Clean ECG leads and electrodes on completion of procedure in accordance with infection control guidelines
- 5.4 Dispose of disposable ECG electrodes and other materials in accordance with waste management procedures
- 5.5 Store ECG machine accordance with manufacturer's specifications and WHS policies and procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
ECG machines may include:
Manual
Automatic
Checking of equipment must include:
Cleanliness
Battery is fully charged
Calibration
Settings i.e. 12 lead ECG with lead 2 rhythm included
Stock
Maintenance in accordance with relevant Australian Standards
Request may come from:
Registered medical practitioner
Registered nurse
Client information may include:
Name
Medical record number
Date and time
Client symptoms
Client medications
Previous history of cardiac disease
Client positioning may be influenced by:
Physical limitations i.e. amputees, burns
Respiratory function
Trace production must include:
Paediatric (newborns to 2 years) traces must include a second tracing with V3R electrode
Sources of interference may include:
Electrical
Skeletal muscle tremor
Excessive muscle activity
Respirations
Faulty leads
Assistance for the client may include:
Cleaning of gel from chest and limbs
Re-arranging clothing
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
ECG machines may include:
Manual
Automatic
Checking of equipment must include:
Cleanliness
Battery is fully charged
Calibration
Settings i.e. 12 lead ECG with lead 2 rhythm included
Stock
Maintenance in accordance with relevant Australian Standards
Request may come from:
Registered medical practitioner
Registered nurse
Client information may include:
Name
Medical record number
Date and time
Client symptoms
Client medications
Previous history of cardiac disease
Client positioning may be influenced by:
Physical limitations i.e. amputees, burns
Respiratory function
Trace production must include:
Paediatric (newborns to 2 years) traces must include a second tracing with V3R electrode
Sources of interference may include:
Electrical
Skeletal muscle tremor
Excessive muscle activity
Respirations
Faulty leads
Assistance for the client may include:
Cleaning of gel from chest and limbs
Re-arranging clothing
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when performing an electrocardiography (ECG)
Observation of simulation and/or role play when performing an electrocardiography (ECG)
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Written assessments/projects, questioning, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in performing an electrocardiography (ECG) (documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with performing an electrocardiography (ECG) first aid, occupational health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently; however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when performing an electrocardiography (ECG)
Observation of simulation and/or role play when performing an electrocardiography (ECG)
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Written assessments/projects, questioning, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in performing an electrocardiography (ECG) (documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with performing an electrocardiography (ECG) first aid, occupational health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently; however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5812 | HLTCA401C | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA49 | HLTCAR001 | Perform electrocardiography (ECG) | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J085 | HLT42112 | Certificate IV in Cardiac Technology | Qualification |