However, this ECG is still abnormal. The crew applied the Cape Cod Chest Pain Scale and triaged the patient to a facility capable of angioplasty. Thirty-eight minutes after arrival at the hospital the patient had his artery opened with angioplasty. The addition of direct 12-lead transmission via fax in the ambulance can reduce these timelines even more. Although a critical finding when managing patients with fibrinolytics, the absence of ECG changes does not contraindicate angioplasty.
Cost always becomes a consideration with new technology.
Many systems feel they can't offer the level of care 12-lead ECGs provide due to budgetary constraints. Using an approach similar to that taken with trauma, the Chest Pain Task Force developed care pathways that, when activated, initiate mobilization of appropriate hospital resources. Right ventricular infarction occurs in ever increasing numbers. So EMS providers must be able to differentiate between left and right ventricular infarct. Patients experiencing right ventricular infarction require fluid administration to treat hypotension when it occurs.