Why the study?
Does the use of EMS reduce delays to reperfusion in patients presenting with STEMI compared to self-transport?
Observational
Does the use of EMS reduce delays to reperfusion in patients presenting with STEMI compared to self-transport?
A significant proportion of STEMI patients self-transport rather than using EMS, highlighting a critical gap in pre-hospital care and the need for public education on EMS activation.
Many STEMI patients self-transport; supports public education efforts but leaves open effects on reperfusion in observational data.
Background Coronary heart disease affects millions of people in North America each year and is a leading cause of death worldwide ( Jollis et al ). In many patients coronary Early reperfusion of the myocardium is crucial in treating patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Emergency medical services (EMS) plays an important role in minimizing delays to reperfusion. This study demonstrates that a large proportion of patients presenting with STEMI do not use EMS. Thus, such patients cannot benefit from many mechanisms designed to minimize time delays. Healthcare providers are challenged with both implementing strategies for improving care (minimizing delays to reperfusion) for patients not using EMS, and encouraging patients to access care via EMS in the event of acute chest pain.
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Velianou et al. (2010) conducted an observational in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Self-transport vs. Emergency medical services (EMS) was evaluated.
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