Performance of Prehospital ECG and Impact on Prehospital Service Time: Comparison between EMT-II and EMT-P Teams.
Journal
Acta Cardiologica Sinica
Journal Volume
40
Journal Issue
4
Start Page
412
End Page
420
ISSN
1011-6842
Date Issued
2024-07
Author(s)
Wu, Zhi-Jia
Lee, Bin-Chow
Chen, Ying-Ju
Tsai, Ming-Chi
Chiu, Chien-Kai
Chien, Yu-Chun
Chen, Lee-Wei
DOI
10.6515/ACS.202407_40(4).20240401B
Abstract
Background: Prehospital electrocardiogram (PHECG) shortens door-to-balloon time in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. However, it may increase the prehospital service time, thus offsetting the benefits gained. The performance of PHECG could be influenced by the proficiency of the emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Objectives: To investigate whether there are differences in the performance of PHECG between EMT-II and EMT-paramedics (EMT-P). Methods: This prospectively designed, retrospectively analyzed study of PHECG was conducted in Taipei from February 2019 to April 2021. Comparisons were made between EMT-II and EMT-P teams. The primary outcomes were the acceptance of PHECG suggestions and prehospital service time. The secondary outcomes were gender disparities in the primary outcomes. Results: A total of 2,991 patients were included, of whom 2,617 received PHECG. For the primary outcomes, the acceptance of PHECG was higher in those approached by EMT-P (99.6% vs. 71.5%, p < 0.001). The scene time and scene-to-hospital time showed no significant differences. For gender disparities, the acceptance of PHECG in female patients was significantly lower in those approached by EMT-II (59.3% vs. 99.2%, p < 0.001). The scene time and scene-to-hospital time were generally longer in the female patients, especially in the younger and middle age groups. Compared to EMT-P, both were significantly longer in the female patients approached by EMT-II. Conclusion: The acceptance of PHECG was lower in those approached by EMT-II, especially in females. Although there were generally no significant differences between EMT-II and EMT-P, the scene time and scene-to-hospital time were significantly longer in female patients, especially in those aged < 75 years approached by EMT-II.
Subjects
Electrocardiogram
Emergency medical technician
Female
Gender
Prehospital
Publisher
Republic of China Society of Cardiology
Type
journal article