STEMI is an cardiovascular emergency . We alert instantly the services of 911/108/1066 . What we fail to realise is , the physician’s thought process should also be equally fast . Before dispatching a STEMI patient by ‘air mail” to the nearest cath lab , spend few thought full moments ! We have a simple and equally effective option ,(If not superior ) of revascularisation , right in your clinic or hospital ! Use it liberally , it is not a inferior treatment !
This article is from the prestigious journal “Annals of emergency medicine” .It confirms a longstanding doubt regarding the efficacy of air lifting of STEMI patients.
A shocking observation . . . is . . . many of those patients who are air lifted for primary PCI receive none of revascularisation modalities ! Learn how many of our patients have a futile helicopter ride in the golden hour of STEMI !
Final message
Even airdropping of STEMI patients to cath lab for primary PCI is not enough in this unique race against time . So , in the management of STEMI , we need lots of non -medical sense* ! .Please judge “the delay” due to transfer carefully and always consider administering the thrombolytic agent when a patient with STEMI arrives within 30 minutes.
A definite primary thromolysis (Within 30 minutes ) is often better than a PPCI (Potential primary PCI), which may or may not materialize in time !)
*Please realise even inclement weather and traffic jams can have a impact on coronary patency !
See comment about this article in Heart wire
What next ? On site mobile cathlab ?
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 
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