Every second counts when someone is having a heart attack therefore communicating lifesaving patient information quickly is vital to improving an individuals chances of survival. Along with knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and calling 911, faster appropriate treatment has been proven to improve outcomes.
The new LifenetTM RS receiving technology at Boca Raton Community Hospital is making a difference in patient care. Boca Raton Community Hospital has teamed up with Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services for early identification of certain heart attacks called ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Using Bluetooth cellular phone technology to transmit electrocardiogram, or EKG information, Boca Raton Fire Rescue is able to send a 12-lead snapshot of the heart and its function to a computer receiving station from the field to the emergency room in real time. “This technology allows the emergency room physician to view and evaluate the 12-lead electrocardiogram prior to the patients arrival, helping them make decisions as to what further treatment may be necessary once at the hospital,” says Terry Cohen, chief of emergency services at Boca Raton Community Hospital. “Hospital personnel are able to triage a cardiac patient, determine the best treatment options, and mobilize the cardiac catheterization team and cardiologists before the patient even arrives.” “This new technology aids us in anticipating the arrival of certain heart attack victims, says Rebecca Creighton, emergency room director at Boca Raton Community Hospital. “Alerting our cardiac catheterization team prior to the patients arrival, shortens the evaluation process, increases the chances of early intervention, improving survival and helping patients restore function quickly.”
