Type over tRecommend wording change to proposed EMS Regulations

The proposed change to 12VAC5-31-390 “Destination to specialty care hospitals” currently states “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, and others as recognized by OEMS…” 

The wording should be amended to include "STEMI", in addition to trauma and stroke.  Patients presenting with a type of heart attack called a "STEMI" (ST elevation myocardial infarction), are at high risk for both immediate and longterm complications or death.  As an interventional cardiologist, former State Chairman of the American College of Cardiology door-to-balloon project in Virginia, and a founding member of the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition, I think it is critically important to add STEMI to the list of time-critical illnesses.  Rapid reperfusion, or restoration of blood flow in a blocked coronary artery during a heart attack, has been shown in multiple studies to improve patient outcome.  For every 30 minute delay of this lifesaving treatment, the patient's risk of death increases by 7.5%!!  Numerous studies, and personal experience, have shown us that triage plans and protocols improve prehospital care and reduce "e2b" time--the time from first medical contact to reperfusion.