High-risk non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) for paramedics

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. Pre-hospital clinicians frequently encounter patients suffering acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and they form an integral part in recognising and conveying the ST-elevation myocardial infraction (STEMI) patient to the most appropriate destination, namely the heart attack centre (HAC). The emphasis has been upon the recognition and subsequent management of the STEMI patient. The non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) patient has a similar mortality and morbidity yet does not receive the same pathways as STEMI. This article aims to provide an understanding based on a case study around NSTEACS with supporting evidence relating to risk stratification, clinical trials and clinical guidelines of what needs to be developed to enhance the care we provide to the NSTEAC patient in the pre-hospital arena.