Advanced heart attack response available to all Winnipeg paramedics

WINNIPEG — Paramedics across the city will now have access to the STEMI process, a communication system that allows first responders to communicate with cardiologists via mobile app, in cases of the most serious heart attacks.

STEMI (ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) patient care transmits heart tracings and information direct from a site; cutting down time in transit and diagnosis to better improve the chances of a patient’s survival.

“We can diagnose the heart attack while the patient is in the living room,” said Dr. Davinder Jassal, cardiologist and Medical Director of WRHA Coronary Care Unit.

“As a cardiologist, I can advise the paramedics what medication to give.”

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STEMI protocols have been available for Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) since 2008 but will now be available for all front-line care workers. WRHA officials said the protocol is used approximately 400 times per year. In 200 of those instances, the patient is admitted into emergency surgery.

“The goal is to have that person, in that moment, into [surgery] in 90 minutes or less,” said Dr. Rob Grierson, Medical Director of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The goal is to have that person, in that moment, into [surgery] in 90 minutes or less," said Dr. Rob Grierson, Medical Director of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

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Dan Herzog, suffered a STEMI heart attack in his home in west Winnipeg six years ago at the age of 63. Cardiac surgeons told Herzog his heart was completely blocked and if he did not receive help within another 90 seconds, he likely would have died. Paramedics used the STEMI protocol to save his life.

Herzog added that he hopes the technology will give others a second chance at life that was afforded to him several years ago.

“Money means nothing. That 50 inch TV, doesn’t matter. Health – that’s number one.”