I support the  proposed change: 12VAC5-31-390 “Destination to specialty care hospitals” states “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, and others as recognized by OEMS…”  As a critically time-sensitive condition, STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) should be included in the list of required triage plans.  The recommended language should read:  “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, STEMI, and others as recognized by OEMS…” 

Joseph P. Ornato, MD, of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University, wrote of the significant need for NATIONAL attention to "The ST-Segment-Elevaltion Myocardial Infarction Chain of Survival" in Circulation. 2007;116:6-9.  Virginia should be in the fore front of implementing needed  STEMI changes.

As a retired Federal official who helped plan and fund rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury and stroke survivors that depended upon excellence in traige, and as the father of a son who has recovered from cardiac bypass surgery, I am very aware of the need to update State policies to conform to research findings.

I look forward to learning that the Commonwealth has moved forward on this important need.

Richard P. Melia, Ph.D.

Arlington, VA