Paramedic administration of glycoprotein inhibitors for ST elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. Until recently, paramedics were routinely delivering out-of-hospital thrombolysis for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Now that primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the favoured reperfusion strategy, STEMI patients are by-passing the local emergency department and taken directly to the catheterisation laboratory via ambulance. STEMI patients within a rural setting are facing the prospect of extended transfer times for reperfusion of an already ischaemic myocardium, a potentially perilous strategy. Empirical research conducted outside the UK has identified that the pre-hospital administration of a glycoprotein inhibitor improves clinical outcome for STEMI patients. Glycoprotein naturally helps to build the fibrin mesh essential within the clotting process. Inhibition of this process by glycoprotein inhibitors IIb/IIIa (GPI IIb/IIIa) prevents aggregation at receptor sites on platelets. Original research supports the notion that GPI IIb/IIIa involvement improves patient clinical outcome for STEMI in the out-of-hospital phase. Paramedics are typically the first contact for the STEMI patient and it is tangible that paramedics have the appropriate skill and knowledge to diagnose the out-of-hospital STEMI. With this in mind, it is the purpose of this article to discuss the use of pre-hospital GPI IIb/IIIa administration and to argue that this intervention should be administered by paramedic personnel.