Cardiac case study. 50-year-old male with chest pressure.
This case study represented a patient with a relatively uncomplicated myocardial infarction that, after prompt prehospital care and transport, was successfully halted in the emergency department with fibrinolytic therapy. This patient was provided excellent care in the prehospital setting because the paramedic and his EMT-B partner worked together effectively as a team. Although ECG monitoring, IV therapy and medication administration are beyond the usual scope of practice of an EMTB, many EMS systems are training their EMT-Bs to assist with these important procedures and interventions. This involves preparing IV equipment and supplies, applying the cardiac monitor, and recognizing and handling the various paramedic medications. This enhanced role of the EMT-B allows the paramedic to perform a more focused and careful patient assessment. A cohesive working relationship between BLS and ALS personnel is absolutely crucial to the outcome of the patient. Although each level of prehospital provider possesses a different knowledge of pathophysiology and patient management, it is the combined contributions and efforts of each provider that will afford patients the high quality of care they deserve.