3:00
3:10
3:20
3:30
3:40
3:50
4:00
4:10
4:20
4:30
4:50
5:10
A few of the team members who work to get STEMI patients to the catheterization lab as soon as
possible. Listed from left to right: John B. Owens, cardiovascular technician; Robert D. Greenberg,
MD, FACEP, vice-chair, Department of Emergency Medicine; John P. Erwin III, MD, cardiologist,
Division of Cardiology, Scott & White Healthcare; Gregory J. Dehmer, MD, director, Division of
Cardiology; Marsha Fowler, RN, procedural nurse; Jerry Caldwell, RN, MSN, LP, procedural nurse,
STEMI program coordinator
5:20
5:30
6:40
6:50
7:00
7:10
7:20
What are the
warning signs of
a heart attack?
The most common symptoms
of a heart attack may include:
> Indigestion, nausea or
vomiting
team prefers those to delays in care. “Where
we see the biggest delay is still from the time
symptoms develop until the time patients
seek treatment,” Dr. Erwin says, “and that
is a big factor in how well patients do.”
What’s Your Plan?
Dr. Erwin also encourages individuals at
risk for heart disease, or who are being
treated for it, to ask what protocol their
local hospital follows when someone comes
in with a heart attack. “We know that
protocol-driven approaches are going to
work better. If you ask what the plan of care
is and there isn’t one, that might spur your
doctor to look into it.
“This is a real team effort that starts with
EMS (Emergency Medical Services) in the
field that recognizes the patient with a
STEMI and the need for rapid triage and
transport to a facility for treatment. In
Copperas Cove, for example, a paramedic
evaluates an EKG on the scene and
initiates the process. Instead of taking
heart attack patients to the closest hospital
that may not have a cath lab, the patient is
transported, usually via helicopter, directly
to Scott & White’s cath lab.”
“We have had patients in our lab in
less than an hour from onset of pain,”
Dr. Erwin says. “Getting ambulances
involved will reduce the time it takes to
get the patient to where this procedure
can be done. This ultimately benefits
the patient.” ■
> Pressure or discomfort in
the chest that lasts more
than a few minutes
> Pain that spreads to the
shoulders, neck, arms
or jaw
> Sweating, cool, clammy
or pale skin
> Shortness of breath
> Dizziness or fainting
> Unexplained weakness
or fatigue
> Rapid or irregular pulse
If you or someone you know
exhibits any of the above
warning signs, act immediately!
Call 911, or your local
emergency number.
Summer 08 Catalyst
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