Achieve and maintain a door-to-balloon time of 90 minutes for patients having a S-T Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) heart attack
Objective Description
Trend Analysis
From FY 2014 to FY 2024, the eleven-year Average Door-to-Balloon Time for Patients Having a S-T Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Heart Attack was 68 minutes and 15 seconds (68:15). While the average door-to-balloon interval has fluctuated slightly over the eleven-year time frame, it has remained consistently lower than the national standard. In that eleven-year period, the Department responded to 1,264 STEMI heart attack calls, 558 of which received angioplasty (balloon) at a hospital (45.70%).
Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services works closely with area hospitals to minimize this time interval. Our paramedics are trained to interpret advanced electrocardiograms that help to identify STEMI heart attacks, and agreements are in place to immediately alert area hospitals so that the required processes are already in motion before the patient even reaches the hospital, significantly reducing the time interval.
Strategies
- Ensure effective identification of STEMI heart attack patients during the 911 call-taking process, and a subsequent appropriate resource response
- Ensure effective identification of STEMI heart attack patients during the 911 call-taking process, and a subsequent appropriate resource response
- Collaborate with area hospitals to deliver closely coordinated prehospital and definitive care for STEMI heart attack patients, including special operational protocols, EMS provider training, early notification systems, and an integrated quality assurance processes
- Ensure paramedics are well equipped and trained to accurately interpret advanced electrocardiograms and treat heart attacks.
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Source: Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue