Key Points:
- This hub organizes the core ECG basics and fundamentals into three complementary “start here” pathways: ECG definitions and measurement, how ECGs are generated and work, and the acute care STAT interpretation workflow.
- Use the pathway that matches your situation: learning from scratch, refreshing fundamentals, or making time-sensitive bedside decisions.
- Learners at any level can start here. After the three core basics and fundamentals pages, you can branch into the ECG Skills curriculum tracks to build skill systematically and test yourself.
1) Definitions & Measurements
Waveforms, Segments, & Intervals
Defines ECG waveforms, segments, and intervals and shows how to measure them correctly: identify the true baseline, apply paper speed and calibration, and avoid common errors with PR, QRS duration, ST deviation, and QT/QTc. Focus is on reproducible measurement and practical bedside rules you can trust.
Learn from scratch here:
2) How ECGs Work
Vectors, Leads, & Activation
Explains what you are actually seeing: leads are viewpoints that display vector projections, so polarity, morphology, axis, and R-wave progression become predictable. Covers normal activation plus technical pitfalls, including calibration errors and lead misplacement that can create false ischemia or infarct patterns.
Review the fundamentals:
3) Rapid Interpretation Workflow
STAT ECGs for Acute Care
A killers-first bedside workflow that prioritizes unstable rhythms, occlusion MI patterns, and toxic-metabolic conduction problems, with clear next steps for escalation and serial ECGs. Built for triage decisions and documentation that is specific, consistent, and defensible.
Using STAT ECGs for time-sensitive bedside decisions:
Curriculum Tracks
Use these to progress from core concepts to advanced ECG pattern recognition and acute care decision-making:
Key Clinical Pearls:
- Fundamentals are not separate from advanced interpretation. Accurate measurement and a consistent workflow prevent missed killers.
- When the ECG looks bizarre, verify lead placement/calibration, and rule out artifact before committing to a rare or clinically unlikely diagnosis.
- The most valuable ECG habit in acute care is repeating ECGs when the story evolves and comparing to prior tracings.
If you want a direct bridge from fundamentals into common bedside problem sets, check these out.
Rate & Rhythm:
Conduction & Blocks:
Ischemic & Occlusion MI Recognition:
Repolarization Risk:
