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When a patient experiences a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—a severe type of heart attack—every second between the onset of symptoms and receiving treatment can mean the difference between life and death. While national guidelines provide clear targets for timely intervention, recent data show that STEMI treatment times remain inconsistent across hospitals.
At the Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC), we are committed to reducing these delays and ensuring that every patient in Virginia receives the fastest, most effective care possible. Through data collection, collaboration, and quality improvement initiatives, we continue to analyze key performance indicators like First Medical Contact (FMC) to intervention time, ensuring that hospitals and emergency responders have the insights needed to improve STEMI outcomes.
To read the full article visit - STEMI Revascularization Times All Over the Map: GWTG Registry | tctmd.com
Why STEMI Treatment Times Matter
For STEMI patients, immediate treatment is critical. The standard of care involves either:
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) – A stent procedure to reopen a blocked artery. The goal is to perform PCI within 90 minutes of first medical contact (FMC).
Fibrinolysis (Clot-busting drugs) – Used when PCI is unavailable. The goal is to administer these drugs within 30 minutes of FMC.
However, recent findings from the national Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) registry reveal significant variation in treatment times across hospitals. Some facilities exceed benchmarks, while others face delays due to resource constraints, coordination challenges, or geographic barriers.
As a coalition dedicated to improving cardiac care, VHAC closely tracks FMC metrics and regularly reports these findings at our Steering Group meetings. By analyzing STEMI data across the state, we work with hospitals and EMS teams to identify bottlenecks, streamline emergency response, and implement best practices that lead to faster treatment times.
How VHAC is Driving Change
At VHAC, we recognize that system-wide change requires collaboration. Our work focuses on three key areas:
Data-Driven Decision Making – By tracking FMC-to-device times, we provide hospitals and EMS agencies with real-time performance insights to improve care delivery.
Strengthening Regional Networks – We facilitate discussions between cardiologists, emergency physicians, and EMS leaders to develop efficient transport protocols and ensure patients reach the right facility as quickly as possible.
Continuous Quality Improvement – By identifying trends in delays and successes, we help healthcare providers implement strategies that have been proven to reduce STEMI mortality rates.
What’s Next?
While progress has been made in optimizing STEMI care, there is still work to be done. At VHAC, we are committed to ensuring that every STEMI patient in Virginia receives rapid, evidence-based treatment—no matter where they are. By continuing to report FMC data, foster collaboration, and advocate for process improvements, we aim to create a future where no patient is left waiting for critical care.
Join Us in This Mission
Are you a healthcare provider, EMS leader, or advocate for cardiac care? Connect with VHAC and be part of our efforts to transform heart attack treatment in Virginia.
Together, we can save lives—one second at a time.
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