Driving the Course of Care

From advanced STEMI detection to hypothermia protocols, techniques used in the field are revolutionizing inpatient care

2009 Oct 1

For many patients, care received in the field has a direct impact on outcomes throughout the course of treatment. Technological advances, along with increased trust in and high-quality training of EMS personnel, have brought advanced medical treatment to the field in ways that are dramatically improving outcomes in cardiac care. This supplement, sponsored by Philips Healthcare, was developed to give you a look into some of the many ways EMS is leading the pack in offering advanced monitoring and medical care in the field and driving additional advancements to receiving emergency departments.
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Supplement Content

Introduction

Paul E. Pepe, MD, MPH & A.J. Heightman, MPA, EMT-P
2009 Oct 1

Improvements in training and medical direction—in both prehospital and hospital systems—has allowed technology and advanced medical treatment to rapidly expand in the field, hospitals and EDs. In many instances, innovative prehospital systems and their medical directors are on the front lines leading the charge.

The Most Important Test

Mohamud Daya, MD, MS
2009 Oct 1

The 12-lead ECG is the most important initial test for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Changes have recently been incorporated into the Philips DXL ECG algorithm and the HeartStart MRx monitor/defibrillator that enhance the ECG’s ability to detect acute ischemia, AMI & STEMI.

Regionalized Cardiac Arrest Care

John Freese, MD
2009 Oct 1

FDNY created a regional protocol for initiating hypothermia on cardiac patients. This article reports initial results as well as lessons learned for EMS systems wanting to initiate similar protocols.

The Electronic Crossroads

Raymond L. Fowler, MD, FACEP
2009 Oct 1

ePCR solutions abound, but the key is choosing a system that’s NEMSIS-compliant, allowing medical managers to share data across agencies and significantly enhancing analysis and reporting capabilities.

The Value of CPAP

David Persse, MD
2009 Oct 1

Recent data from the Houston Fire Department suggests that about half the time paramedics use CPAP, they ultimately avoid an intubation.

Critical Changes

Mohamud Daya, MD, MS & Yoko Nakamura, MD
2009 Oct 1

Daya and Nakamura review three new enhancements available in the Philips HeartStart MRx monitor-defibrillator: the Acute Coronary Ischemia-Time Insensitive Predictive Instrument (ACI-TIPI), the Thrombolytic Predictive Index (TPI) and Connected Care Data Management solution systems.

Strengthening the Chain of Survival

Emily C. Esposito, BA, & Benjamin S. Abella, MD, MPhil
2009 Oct 1

The cardiac chain of survival depends first and foremost on early CPR, but once EMS professionals arrive, quality measures -- such as real-time feedback and integrated debriefing -- make a vital difference in patient outcomes.

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CPAP for Everyone!

For systems considering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), this webcast will tell you what CPAP does for the patient, how it can effect clinical outcomes, who’s using it, how to best apply it, what it costs, and how to plan for successful implementation.

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Prehospital Hypothermic Resuscitation

The 2005 AHA guidelines represent a major shift in recommended methods of resuscitation, including a heavy focus on minimally interrupted compressions, control of ventilatory rates and utilization of induced hypothermia for post-resuscitation care. This webcast will present the science supporting the 2005 guidelines and describe the approach to translational medicine in the Wake County (N.C.) EMS System, lessons learned and the new scientific questions that have been raised.

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