No matter how good the healthcare system is, if the public does not recognize symptoms of a heart attack and seek help quickly when needed, the system cannot be successful.
This chart examines some barriers that the public presents to the ideal STEMI system of care and solutions to overcome them.
| BARRIERS | SOLUTIONS |
| Awareness | - Public education
- ACT in Time program
- CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
|
| Recognition of symptoms | - Public education
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) posters
|
Self transport to hospital, which hinder: - Registration
- Quick triage to electrocardiogram (ECG)
- ECG privacy
- Advance warning to activate hospital staff to prepare for reperfusion
| Education about: - Importance of access to and activation of 9-1-1
- Community heart attack resources
- The difference between STEMI-referral (non-PCI) and STEMI-receiving (PCI-capable) hospitals
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