In the ideal Receiving Center, standard algorithms for the STEMI and out of hospital cardiac arrest patients who self –present, for those who arrive by EMS and for those transferred, will be in place and followed 24/7 in order to facilitate a short ED stay or transport directly from the field to the catheterization laboratory.

Advanced notification from the field allows for cath lab team response, readiness and preparation for the patient experiencing a STEMI and/or out of hospital cardiac arrest. Optimized care in the resuscitated patient is complex, multidisciplinary and requires commitment from the receiving centers to guide universal change. The ideal Receiving Center will work in conjunction with EMS to coordinate pre-hospital post arrest care and internally, integrate in-hospital post arrest care among emergency medicine, cardiology, critical care, neurology, and rehabilitation.

The Referral Center to Receiving Center relationship is vital to the timely treatment and transfer of STEMI and post arrest patients. A “single call system” from referral centers with universal patient acceptance by receiving centers would result in immediate acceptance and activation of the catheterization laboratory team without the need for additional review or determination of bed availability. Prompt data feedback to EMS and to the Referral Centers along with and invitation to attend multidisciplinary process improvement meetings are also ideal.

Learn about strategies receiving centers can use to achieve the ideal practice.

Refer to the Mission: Lifeline recommendations for quality improvement recognition and accreditation.