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 language should read:  “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, STEMI, and others as recognized by OEMS…” 

STEMI stands for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.  ST Elevation is a specific EKG change and a Myocardial Infaction is a heart attack.  A STEMI is the most life threatening form of heart attack. 

Medical research has shown conclusively that patients with STEMI have significantly less death and disability if the blocked vessel in the heart is opened up quickly.  This can only be accomplished consistantly if specific STEMI protocols are in place and utilized.

The simple change of adding the word "STEMI" to the proposed verbage of this regulation would save many lives.