Transcutaneous pacing may be uncomfortable for the patient. Sedation should therefore be considered. Before pacing the patient in a prehospital setting sedation is recommended by administering an analgesic or an anxiolytic. Prolonged transcutaneous pacing may cause burns on the skin.

Is transcutaneous pacing painful?

Transcutaneous cardiac pacing may be associated with discomfort such as a burning sensation of the skin, skeletal muscle contractions, or both. Because of this, patients who are conscious and hemodynamically stable should be sedated with a drug, such as midazolam, before initiation of pacing (see Procedural Sedation).

Can you touch a patient during transcutaneous pacing?

It is safe to touch patients (e.g. to perform CPR) during pacing.