Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
-
Prehospital electrocardiograms (ECGs) have been recommended to facilitate early diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, prehospital ECGs can also be used to triage patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, who comprise a majority of patients with ischemic events presenting by ambulance to overcrowded emergency departments. ⋯ Our findings demonstrate a relatively high frequency (17%) of non-ST-segment elevation injury patterns on prehospital ECGs of patients who summon EMS because of chest pain. These results suggest the potential of prehospital ECGs to facilitate early triage in these high-risk chest pain patients who present to overcrowded emergency departments.
-
To determine the accuracy of SALT (sort-assess-lifesaving interventions-treatment/transport) triage during a simulated mass-casualty incident, the average time it takes to make triage designations, and providers' opinions of SALT triage. ⋯ We found that assessments using SALT triage were accurate and made quickly during a simulated incident. The accuracy rate was higher than those published for other triage systems and of similar speed. Providers also felt confident using SALT triage and found it was similar or easier to use than their current triage protocol. Using SALT triage during a drill improved confidence.