Transcutaneous Pacing:

Transcutaneous pacing: indications
Bridge to transvenous pacing
Symptomatic bradycardias
Allows use of antiarrythmic drugs otherwise contraindicated\
Stable patients expected to deteriorate

Know your equipment

Apply pacer pads to sternum and apex.

Initial settings:
Start at 80 bpm
Start at minimal energy setting
Gradually increase until capture
Assess electrical and mechanical capture

Failure to capture: causes
Electrode placement
Patient size
Large barrel chests
Pericardial effusion

This procedure is very uncomfortable for alert patients.