Central EMS, Northside Hospital Collaboration Reduces Response Time, Save Lives in STEMI Patients

With emergency medicine, time is critical in diagnosing and treating every patient. One of the most time-dependent diagnoses is a STEMI, or ST elevation myocardial infarction. Central EMS and the Northside Hospital-Forsyth Emergency Department are focused on coordinating efforts for a seamless STEMI response in Forsyth County, Georgia. Central EMS began providing emergency medical response to Forsyth County in January and since that time, the ambulance provider has conducted additional training with EMTs and paramedics on immediately recognizing the signs of STEMI and has integrated communication processes with the emergency department. “EMTs and paramedics are often the first point of contact for a patient who is encountering a STEMI,” said Northside Hospital Director of Emergency Services Chris Munn. “Our partnership with Central EMS is incredibly important in allowing our hospital to continue its gold-level standard of STEMI care in Forsyth County.” “In years past, the No. 1 measurement goal was to get a patient from the emergency department door to the catheterization lab in under 90 minutes. We’ve updated that standard to measure success as getting the patient from the first medical provider on the scene to the catheterization lab in under 90 minutes.” According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. ...
Source: JEMS Patient Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Cardiac & Resuscitation Industry News Source Type: news