Optimizing pre-hospital care improves patient outcomes
THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – In Canada, there are an estimated 70,000 heart attacks each year. That’s one heart attack every seven minutes. Almost 16,000 Canadians die each year as the result of a heart attack, according to Statistics Canada (2012).
Calling 9-1-1 is the best way for a person experiencing a heart attack to receive the most efficient care. Coming to the hospital by ambulance is the safest and most beneficial way for a person to arrive and receive cardiac care in a timely manner. A heart attack is a medical emergency.
There are many reasons why a person does not call 9-1-1. These include thinking they could deal with the situation on their own, not actually realizing to call 9-1-1 when someone is experiencing a heart attack, not wanting to cause a scene or just deciding to drive themselves.
Northwestern Ontario residents need to be aware of the benefits of calling 9-1-1 and the expertise that paramedics bring to cardiac care, especially during the critical first hours. Paramedics are trained to recognize the signs of heart attack and mobilize the patient quickly.
They start the time-sensitive management of cardiac care including performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) which helps determines the next critical and time-sensitive steps required, while still on route to the hospital. Paramedics pre-alert the hospital that a cardiac patient is on their way, which is critical in activating the process of cardiac care. Due to the large populated rural areas surrounding our cities and towns, there is a dedicated group of volunteers on call 24/7 known as First Responders Teams. First Response Teams can assist heart attack patients with support, as they prepare to hand off to the Paramedics as they proceed to timely life-saving services. The First Response Teams are a vital link between the patient and the EMS.
