Thrombolysis in the air - Air-ambulance paramedics flying to remote communities treat patients ts before hospitalization

Citation
H. Kapasi et al., Thrombolysis in the air - Air-ambulance paramedics flying to remote communities treat patients ts before hospitalization, CAN FAM PHY, 46, 2000, pp. 1313-1319
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN
ISSN journal
0008350X → ACNP
Volume
46
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1313 - 1319
Database
ISI
SICI code
0008-350X(200006)46:<1313:TITA-A>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
PROBLEM ADDRESSED First Nations* communities in the North have a high preva lence of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes and face an increasing incidence of myocardial infarction (MI). Many conditions delay timely admi nistration of thrombolysis, including long times between when patients firs t experience symptoms and when they present to community nursing stations, delays in air transfers to treating hospitals, uncertainty about when plane s are available, and poor flying conditions. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM To develop a program for administration of thrombolysi s on the way to hospital by air ambulance paramedics flying to remote commu nities to provide more rapid thrombolytic therapy to northern patients expe riencing acute MIs. COMPONENTS OF PROGRAM Critical care flight paramedics fly to northern commu nities from Sioux Lookout, Ont; assess patients; communicate with base hosp ital physicians; review an exclusion criteria checklist; and administer thr ombolytics according to the Sioux Lookout District Health Centre/Base Hospi tal Policy and Procedure Manual. Patients are then flown to hospitals in Si oux Lookout; Winnipeg, Man; or Thunder Bay, Ont. CONCLUSION This thrombolysis program is being pilot tested, and further eva luation and development is anticipated.