ASM Aetna Paramedics operate LifePak 15 cardiac-monitors
MANCHESTER — On May 17, 2012, ASM Paramedic Supervisor Robert O’Neil wirelessly transmitted a 12-lead EKG to Hartford Hospital in order to precipitate a field activation of the cardiac catheterization lab.
The transmission, which flows through a purpose-specific modem stored externally on the LifePak 15 cardiac monitor, draws the attention of the ED physician, interventionalist and cardiologist and most often results in the patient being conveyed from the field directly into the care of the cardiac staff in the cath lab.
This particular patient was in cardiogenic shock as partially manifested by bradycardia.
The following is excerpted from an email from Dr. Marcin Dada, Associate Director of the Chest Pain Center, Hartford Hospital:
Great job everyone – really good communication. This patient was transported from Summers, CT by ASM and was admitted with a STEMI/Cardiogenic Shock (needed hemodynamic stabilization in the ED).
The system-organized response was initiated in the field (Summers) where the pre hosp ECG was transmitted by ASM to the HH ED and then forwarded to the Cath Lab. Many should be congratulated, in particular:
- Drs McKay and Azemi and the CathLab team (B. Arcisz, T. Schrimer, A. Almeida)
- Drs Kleinberg, Dutton-Swain and the ED team (A. DeMallo, D.Cimiano, A. Mugovero)
- last but not least, the ASM Paramedic – Robert O’Neil for timely ECG interpretation and transmission.
CRITICAL TIMES
- Paramedic on Scene: 10:29
- Arrival at HH: 11:01
- Open Artery Time: 11:53AM
- Hartford Hospital Door to Balloon: 52 minutes
- EMS to Balloon: 84 minutes
Infarct-related artery: Proximal RCA 100%
-> PCI 1X BMS – >TIMI 3 Flow Restored
Note: This post conforms with ASM and Aetna’s HIPAA Policies and Procedures regarding patient confidentiality. No individually identifiable protected health information (PHI) has been disclosed. This post is for informational purposes only. Any post that includes individually identifiable information has been done so with express, written permission from the patient.