Volume 10, Number 5, September-October 2003

Thrombolysis in the pre-hospital setting
Paul Kelly

Pre-hospital thrombolysis has proven clinical benefits in the management of acute myocardial infarction (MI). If the targets for administering thrombolysis, in particular call-to-needle time, are to be met, then it seems likely that its use will be more widespread. With appropriate training and support, paramedics can competently perform 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and administer thrombolysis. Cardiologists should be prepared to undertake paramedic training and play a central role in the development of protocols and pathways for the administration of pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy.

Br J Cardiol 2003;10:395-398.

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