New medical program a heartfelt success

Oct. 8, 2014, 4 a.m.

A new program designed to save people from dying of a heart attack has assisted 35 people in western NSW.

SAVING LIVES: Estelle Ryan CNC Cardiology, Cardiologist Dr Ruth Arnold, paramedics Claire Green and Adam Parker, Anne Morrison NUM ICU and Coronary Care and bypass patient Terry Babbage with the lifesaving ECG machine. Photo: PHILL MURRAY 100714pheart

A NEW program designed to save people from dying of a heart attack has assisted 35 people in western NSW in the first six months of its operation.

The Pre-Hospital Lysis program is a statewide system which enables paramedics to send an ECG directly to a cardiologist as soon as they suspect a heart attack.

This gives the patient immediate access to a cardiac specialist, for diagnosis. If a heart attack is confirmed, paramedics can give immediate life saving treatment (Lysis), wherever the patient may be.

Western NSW Local Health District Cardiologist Dr Ruth Arnold said its this early diagnosis that can improve the chance of recovery and survival in heart attack patients, which is especially important in rural and remote areas.

Time is crucial when it comes to diagnosing and treating a heart attack successfully, she said.

Once a heart attack is confirmed by the ECG, the paramedics can provide appropriate treatment in the form of Lysis or thrombolysis (clot busting medication to dissolve the blockage in the coronary artery), before the patient is transported to the best place for their further care and treatment.

This treatment is most effective if given within the first 60 minutes of a heart attack. In some rural areas it can take 30 to 60 minutes to even get a patient to the closest hospital. This program makes each ambulance a mobile coronary treatment unit and brings specialist care to the patient, Dr Arnold said.

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New medical program a heartfelt success