New Training for Paramedics Means Faster Heart Attack Treatment
Heart attack patients who call 9-1-1 will receive faster treatment as the result of new training by paramedics in Cape Breton.
"We know that Nova Scotians sometimes wait hours before going to the hospital for chest pains and when they do, they often don't travel by ambulance. This puts lives at risk," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Calling 9-1-1 is critical."
The Provincial Pre-Hospital STEMI Reperfusion Strategy (Restore) project is another step in a process that started in 2006. Paramedics in Cape Breton will receive special training to recognize the early symptoms of a heart attack and to administer Tenectoplase (TNK), a new generation clot-busting medication. They will be the first to trial the medication.
"This program will significantly improve time to treatment and patient care throughout Cape Breton," said Dr. Paul MacDonald, a cardiologist with Cape Breton Regional Health Authority.
The administration of TNK by advanced-care paramedics within three hours of heart attack symptoms will improve patient outcomes. The sooner a patient experiencing a heart attack from an arterial blockage has that blockage removed, the better the chance the heart muscle will not be damaged.
In 2006, Nova Scotia's ground ambulances were equipped with 12-lead defibrillators capable of performing the same type of electrocardiogram test a patient would receive after arriving at the hospital. The Cape Breton pilot project is the next step to ensure heart attack patients receive treatment faster and reduce the chances of permanent heart-muscle damage.
"This initiative is a tremendous step forward for paramedicine and will serve as another example of the world-class pre-hospital clinical care offered by Nova Scotia paramedics," said Victor Matthews, an advance-care paramedic with Emergency Health Services.
The Restore pilot project in Cape Breton will be closely monitored and any necessary adjustments made before the project is expanded provincewide.