Abstract: The system comprises first and second input circuits for receiving first and second parameter signals, respectively, from a patient monitor and producing first and second data signals. The first and second signals may be ECG and respiration signals, respectively. Each of the signals is passed directly to a switching circuit, and also passed through a time delay circuit which provides a time delay representation of the signal to the switching circuit. Also, the first signal is passed to a rate circuit which provides a rate signal indicative of the frequency of the first signal to the switching circuit. The switching circuit is operative to selectively connect the real time signals, time delayed signals or rate signal to an output circuit depending on the mode of operation of the system chosen. The output circuit can be connected to a strip chart recorder for providing a permanent readable record of the signal selected by the switching circuit.