The proposed change to 12VAC5-31-390 “Destination to specialty care hospitals” currently states “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, and others as recognized by OEMS…” 

The system of care for STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) often works, but too often it does not.  I have heard many stories first-hand from family members and survivors who could have experienced a better outcome if more standardized triage plans for STEMI had been in place and acted upon.  There is much documentation available demonstrating that having defined plans of care in place leads to better and more consistent patient care, and it would be fair to provide those for EMS personnel in the field trying to respond appropriately to these urgent life-threatening events. 

STEMI is a critically time-sensitive condition, and should be specifically named on the list of required triage plans.  The language should read:  “An EMS agency shall follow specialty care hospital triage plans for trauma, stroke, STEMI, and others as recognized by OEMS…” 

Please consider this simple change to help elevate awareness of the need to provide consistent STEMI care based upon evidence-based standards.

Thank you.