RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Paramedics and pre-hospital management of acute myocardial infarction: diagnosis and reperfusion
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 331
OP 334
DO 10.1136/emj.2005.028118
VO 23
IS 5
A1 S Johnston
A1 R Brightwell
A1 M Ziman
YR 2006
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/23/5/331.abstract
AB In this paper, we discuss and critically analyse pre-hospital management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is clear from several large studies that rapid diagnosis and application of thrombolysis reduces morbidity and mortality rates. Strategies that improve time to treatment in the pre-hospital setting are therefore of fundamental importance in the management of this fatal disease. The advantage of 12 lead electrocardiography use by paramedics to diagnose AMI and reduce time to treatment is discussed. Moreover, paramedic application of thrombolysis in the pre-hospital environment is examined. Several studies conducted worldwide support the notion that ambulance services can play a role in minimising time to treatment for patients with AMI. The contribution of early intervention by paramedics trained in critical care is potentially considerable, particularly in the important chain of survival that is often initiated by pre-hospital intervention.