Local paramedics can now better diagnose heart attacks in field

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Thunder Bay paramedics can now save more lives by diagnosing heart attacks in the field.

ORNGE and Superior North EMS paramedics have been trained in the ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) program, which allows them to determine if a patient is having a heart attack and then alert the emergency department of incoming high-risk cardiac patients.

Rob Plummer was the first paramedic to diagnose a STEMI in Thunder Bay. It was about 2 a.m. one day last November, when his unit arrived on scene for a male who was critically ill.

While his colleagues were starting an IV line and updating vital signs, Plummer used an electrocardiogram and determined the patient was having a heart attack.

“We initiated our rapid transit protocol; we notified the emergency department and he was streamlined into the emergency department and the ER physicians and the ER team did their layer of treatment and activated the angioplasty unit,” he said.

The patient recovered and Plummer said it was an exciting moment for his team.

“To be able to employ it and see the mechanism in action and be part of the process was great for us,” he said. “It was very rewarding.”

Previously in a similar situation, paramedics would often suspect a heart attack in a patient, but nothing would show up on their cardiac monitors.

“Now we can identify them early,” he said. “It’s a very valuable tool for us.”

Superior North EMS deputy chief Wayne Gates said they estimate they’ll see about 25 to 30 STEMIs out in the field per year and potentially each one of those lives will be saved because of the program.

“It’s a great program for the people here in Thunder Bay,” Gates said. “The paramedics are excited about it and we’re glad we can improve the care we’re providing to the people in Thunder Bay and the district.”