ST Elevation MI (STEMI) Transportation Protocols
Position Statement
WHEREAS,
there are 14, 275 incidents of cardiac arrest in Florida
each year; and
WHEREAS,
13,596 people die each year as a result of those
incidents; and
WHEREAS,
there are 39,897 deaths each year in Florida as a result
of MI’s; and
WHEREAS,
there are 54,207 deaths each year in Florida as a result
of cardiac disease (not including stroke)
WHEREAS,
Florida EMS Medical Directors are obligated by law to
transport to the closet most appropriate hospital
destination, as per Rule 64E-2.004 (4)(A).
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors
encourages every EMS system in Florida to optimize their
cardiac destination protocols in order to ensure that
every patient receives the highest quality care in the
best manner possible. Invasive Cardiac Centers would be
preferred.
Be it further resolved that, based on recent literature,
if available in the service region, patients with STEMI
should be preferentially transported to hospitals
capable of providing 24 hour a day 7 day a week
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention within 120 minutes of
arrival at the Emergency Department and having cardiac
surgery readily available.
Pre-hospital 12 lead ECG capability is encouraged when
feasible to alert emergency departments of patients with
STEMI, and to triage to centers where optimal treatment
can be administered.
Adopted this 9th day of October, 2003
President
Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors
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