----- Original Message -----
From: Anton van Dellen
> ST segment elevation, in the absence of the "typical" constellation of
> symptoms suggesting acute coronary syndrome (though patients often
> complain of non-specific numbness, general autonomic symptoms, etc.).
> Just to reiterate, these patients are not being considered for
> pre-hospital thrombolysis.
So why do 12 lead ECGs on them?
> Paramedics do not at present interpret 12 leads
> the ECGs are transmitted and medical direction given to crew (thrombolyse
or not, blues or not)
> more of a US style of medical direction than was previously traditional in
the UK.
Maybe this works in rural areas, but sounds like a right palaver in my
patch. Here most transport times to hospital are under 10 minutes. Even
doing a 12 lead would be meddlesome and simply delay transport!
From Matt Dunn
> Should pick up your acute coronary syndromes with or without chest pain
> elevated troponins would mean driving faster and possibly alerting the
hospital
> even starting to arrange a bed for admission after initial resuscitation).
You've got to be kidding Matt!
Adrian Fogarty
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