Survival and neurological status after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the pediatric population in Andalusia.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the evolution and long-term neurological status of pediatric patients who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Our aim is to describe long-term survival and neurological status. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study, based on the Andalusian Register of out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest. SETTING: Pre-hospital Care. PATIENTS: The study included patients aged 0-15 years between January 2008 and December 2012. INTERVENTIONS: Patients follow up. VARIABLES: Prehospital and hospital care variables were analyzed and one-year follow-up was performed, along with a specific follow-up of survivors in June 2014. RESULTS: Of 5069 patients included in the register, 125 (2.5%) were aged ≤15 years. Cardiac arrest was witnessed in 52.8% of cases and resuscitation was performed in 65.6%. The initial rhythm was shockable in 7 (5.2%) cases. Nearly half (48.8%) the patients reached the hospital alive, of whom 20% did so while receiving resuscitation maneuvers. Only 9 (7.2%) patients survived to hospital discharge; 5 showed ad integrum recovery and 4 showed significant neurological impairment. The 5 patients with complete recovery continued their long-term situation. The remaining 4 patients, although slight improvement, were maintained in situation of neurological disability. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatric patients was low. The long-term prognosis of survivors with good neurological recovery remains, although improvement in the rest was minimal.

Recommendations in dispatcher-assisted bystander resuscitation from emergency call center.

Dispatch-assisted bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has been shown as an effective measure to improve the survival of this process. The development of a unified protocol for all dispatch centers of the different emergency medical services can be a first step towards this goal in our environment. The process of developing a recommendations document and the realization of posters of dispatch-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, agreed by different actors and promoted by the Spanish Resuscitation Council, is presented.

Potential organ donors after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest during a ten-year period in Stockholm, Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Donation after brain death (DBD) is current praxis in Sweden. Circulatory death is far more common. Donation from patients suffering Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) may have the potential to increase the organ-donor pool. The aim of this study was to describe the potential donor pool and its characteristics if uncontrolled donation after circulatory death (uDCD) were to be implemented in the metropolitan area of Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made using data from the Swedish Register for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (SRCR) between 2006 and 2015. Evaluation of potential organ donors was made using selection criteria from five previously published protocols concerning uDCD. RESULTS: When applying different criteria from each of the five studied protocols in a total of 9,793 cases of OHCA, between 7.5% (n=732) and 1.5% (n=150) of the patients were found to be potential candidates for uDCD. The median age of the sampled uDCD candidates in each protocol was between 48 and 57 years. Male donors were found in 67-76% of all cases. CONCLUSION: Although not taking important real-life limitations into account, our results indicate that implementation of a uDCD programme may substantially increase the number of potential organ donors in Stockholm.

When is a bystander not a bystander any more? A European survey.

OBJECTIVE: There is international variation in the rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 'Bystander CPR' is defined in the Utstein definitions, however, differences in interpretation may contribute to the variation reported. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to understand how the term 'bystander CPR' is interpreted in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) across Europe, and to contribute to a better definition of 'bystander' for future reference. METHODS: During analysis of the EuReCa ONE study, uncertainty about the definition of a 'bystander' emerged. Sixty scenarios were developed, addressing the interpretation of 'bystander CPR'. An electronic version of the survey was sent to 27 EuReCa National Coordinators, who distributed it to EMS representatives in their countries. Results were descriptively analysed. RESULTS: 362 questionnaires were received from 23 countries. In scenarios where a layperson arrived on scene by chance and provided CPR, up to 95% of the participants agreed that 'bystander CPR' had been performed. In scenarios that included community response systems, firefighters and/or police personnel, the percentage of agreement that 'bystander CPR' had been performed ranged widely from 16% to 91%. Even in scenarios that explicitly matched examples provided in the Utstein template there was disagreement on the definition. CONCLUSION: In this survey, the interpretation of 'bystander CPR' varied, particularly when community response systems including laypersons, firefighters, and/or police personnel were involved. It is suggested that the definition of 'bystander CPR' should be revised to reflect changes in treatment of OHCA, and that CPR before arrival of EMS is more accurately described.

[Factors associated with prehospital delay in men and women with acute coronary syndrome]. / Factores asociados a la demora prehospitalaria en hombresy mujeres con síndrome coronario agudo.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with prehospital delay in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: Using a survey we studied patients admitted due to acute coronary syndrome in the 33 Andalusian public hospitals, obtaining information about different types of variables: socio-demographic, contextual,clinical, perception, action, and transportation.Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratios for the delay. RESULTS: Of the 1,416 patients studied, more than half had a delay of more than an hour. This is associated to distance to the hospital and means of transport: when the event occurs in the same city,using the patient's own means of transport increases the delay, odds ratio = 1.51 (1.02 to 2.23); if the distance is 1 to 25 kilometers from the hospital,there is no difference between the patient's own means of transport and an ambulance, odds ratio =1.41 and odds ratio =1.43 respectively; and when the distance exceeds 25 kilometers transport by ambulance means more delay, odds ratio = 3.13 and odds ratio = 2.20 respectively. Also, typical symptoms reduce delay amongst men but increase amongst women. Also, not caring and waiting for the resolution of symptoms, seeking health care other than a hospital or emergency services, previous clinical history, being away from home, and having an income under 1,500 euros, all increase delay. Respiratory symptoms reduce delay. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital delay times do not meet health recommendations. The physical and social environment,in addition to clinical, perceptual and attitudinal factors, are associated with this delay.

Trauma grave en España / Major trauma in Spain

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Factores asociados a la demora prehospitalaria en hombres y mujeres con síndrome coronario agudo / Factors associated with prehospital delay in men and women with acute coronary syndrome

Fundamento: Identificar factores asociados a la demora prehospitalaria en personas que han tenido un síndrome coronario agudo Material y métodos: Se estudiaron mediante encuesta pacientes ingresados por síndrome coronario agudo en los 33 hospitales públicos andaluces, obteniéndose información sobre diferentes tipos de variables: socio-demográficas, contextuales, clínicas, percepción, actuaciones, y transporte. Se aplicaron modelos de regresión logística multivariante para calcular las odds ratio para la demora. Resultados: De los 1.416 pacientes en total, más de la mitad tuvieron una demora superior a la hora. Se asocia a la distancia al hospital y al medio de transporte: cuando el evento ocurre en la misma ciudad del hospital, utilizar medios propios aumenta la demora, odds ratio= 1,51 (1,02-2,23); si la distancia es entre 1-25 kilómetros, no hay una diferencia entre medios propios y ambulancia, odds ratio = 1,41 y odds ratio = 1,43 respectivamente; y cuando supera los 25 kilómetros la ambulancia implica mayor demora, odds ratio = 3,13 y odds ratio = 2,20 respectivamente. Además, la sintomatología típica reduce la demora entre los hombres, pero la aumenta entre las mujeres. Asimismo, no darle importancia, esperar a la resolución de los síntomas, buscar atención sanitaria diferente a urgencias hospitalarias o al 061, tener antecedentes, encontrarse fuera de la vivienda habitual, y tener ingresos menores de 1.500 euros aumentan la demora. Tener síntomas respiratorios la reduce. Conclusiones: La demora prehospitalaria no se ajusta a las recomendaciones sanitarias, asociándose al entorno físico y social, a factores clínicos, y de percepción y actitudinales de los sujetos (AU)

Objective. To identify factors associated with prehospital delay in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome. Methods. Using a survey we studied patients admitted due to acute coronary syndrome in the 33 Andalusian public hospitals, obtaining information about different types of variables: socio-demographic, contextual, clinical, perception, action, and transportation. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratios for the delay. Results. Of the 1,416 patients studied, more than half had a delay of more than an hour. This is associated to distance to the hospital and means of transport: when the event occurs in the same city, using the patient’s own means of transport increases the delay, odds ratio = 1.51 (1.02 to 2.23); if the distance is 1 to 25 kilometers from the hospital, there is no difference between the patient’s own means of transport and an ambulance, odds ratio = 1.41 and odds ratio =1.43 respectively; and when the distance exceeds 25 kilometers transport by ambulance means more delay, odds ratio = 3.13 and odds ratio = 2.20 respectively. Also, typical symptoms reduce delay amongst men but increase amongst women. Also, not caring and waiting for the resolution of symptoms, seeking health care other than a hospital or emergency services, previous clinical history, being away from home, and having an income under 1,500 euros, all increase delay. Respiratory symptoms reduce delay. Conclusions. Prehospital delay times do not meet health recommendations. The physical and social environment, in addition to clinical, perceptual and attitudinal factors, are associated with this delay (AU)

Quality management in resuscitation--towards a European cardiac arrest registry (EuReCa).

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the epidemiology of cardiac arrest in Europe is inadequate. AIM: To describe the first attempt to build up a Common European Registry of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, called EuReCa. METHODS: After approaching key persons in participating countries of the European Resuscitation Council, five countries or areas within countries (Belgium, Germany, Andalusia, North Holland, Sweden) agreed to participate. A standardized questionnaire including 28 items, that identified various aspects of resuscitation, was developed to explore the nature of the regional/national registries. This comprises inclusion criteria, data sources, and core data, as well as technical details of the structure of the databases. RESULTS: The participating registers represent a population of 35 million inhabitants in Europe. During 2008, 12,446 cardiac arrests were recorded. The structure as well as the level of complexity varied markedly between the 5 regional/national registries. The incidence of attempted resuscitation ranged between registers from 17 to 53 per 100,000 inhabitants each year whilst the number of patients admitted to hospital alive ranged from 5 to 18 per 100,000 inhabitants each year. Bystander CPR varied 3-fold from 20% to 60%. CONCLUSION: Five countries agreed to participate in an attempt to build up a common European Registry for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. These regional/national registries show a marked difference in terms of structure and complexity. A marked variation was found between countries in the number of reported resuscitation attempts, the number of patients brought to hospital alive, and the proportion that received bystander CPR. At present, we are unable to explain the reason for the variability but our first findings could be a 'wake-up-call' for building up a high quality registry that could provide answers to this and other key questions in relation to the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Supervivencia y estado neurológico de la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria en edad pediátrica en Andalucía / Survival and neurological status after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the pediatric population in Andalusia

OBJETIVO: No existe demasiada información sobre la evolución y estado neurológico a largo plazo de los pacientes en edad pediátrica que sobreviven a una parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria. Nuestro objetivo es describir la supervivencia y estado neurológico de estos pacientes a largo plazo. DISEÑO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Basado en el Registro Andaluz de Parada Cardiaca Extrahospitalaria. ÁMBITO: Atención Prehospitalaria. PACIENTES: Entre 0 y 15 años atendidos entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2012 por Parada Cardiaca Extrahospitalaria. Intervenciones: Seguimiento de pacientes. Variables: Se incluyen variables de la atención prehospitalaria, hospitalaria y del seguimiento al año y un seguimiento específico de los supervivientes en junio de 2014. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el registro un total de 5069 pacientes de los que 125(2.5%) tenían 15 o menos años. La parada fue presenciada en el 52.8% de los casos y hubo reanimación previa en 65.6%. El ritmo inicial fue desfibrilable en 7 (5.2%) casos. Un 48.8% de los pacientes llegó al hospital aunque un 20% lo hizo en situación de reanimación en curso. De los 9 (7.2%) pacientes que sobrevivieron al alta hospitalaria, 5 de ellos lo hicieron con recuperación ad integrum y 4 con grave deterioro neurológico. Los 5 pacientes con recuperación completa mantuvieron su situación a largo plazo. Los 4 pacientes restantes, aunque con discreta mejoría, se mantuvieron en situación de discapacidad neurológica. CONCLUSIONES: La supervivencia de la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria en edad pediátrica es baja. El pronóstico a largo plazo de los pacientes con buena recuperación neurológica desde el inicio se mantiene, aunque la mejoría en el resto es mínima

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the evolution and long-term neurological status of pediatric patients who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Our aim is to describe long-term survival and neurological status. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study, based on the Andalusian Register of out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest. SETTING: Pre-hospital Care. PATIENTS: The study included patients aged 0-15 years between January 2008 and December 2012. Interventions: Patients follow up. Variables: Prehospital and hospital care variables were analyzed and one-year follow-up was performed, along with a specific follow-up of survivors in June 2014. RESULTS: Of 5069 patients included in the register, 125 (2.5%) were aged less or equal15 years. Cardiac arrest was witnessed in 52.8% of cases and resuscitation was performed in 65.6%. The initial rhythm was shockable in 7 (5.2%) cases. Nearly half (48.8%) the patients reached the hospital alive, of whom 20% did so while receiving resuscitation maneuvers. Only 9 (7.2%) patients survived to hospital discharge; 5 showed ad integrum recovery and 4 showed significant neurological impairment. The 5 patients with complete recovery continued their long-term situation. The remaining 4 patients, although slight improvement, were maintained in situation of neurological disability. CONCLUSIONS: Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatric patients was low. The long-term prognosis of survivors with good neurological recovery remains, although improvement in the rest was minimal

Comentario sobre «Supervivencia y pronóstico neurológico en paradas cardiorrespiratorias extrahospitalarias por ritmos desfibrilables tratadas con hipotermia terapéutica moderada» / Comment on: "Survival and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due to shockable rhythms treated with mild therapeutic hypothermia"

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Asistencia telefónica y complicaciones de la resucitación cardiopulmonar / Telephone assistance and complications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation

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¿Influye la asistencia prehospitalaria en el perfil de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda?¿Influye la asistencia prehospitalaria en pacientes con Insuficiencia cardiaca Aguda? / Does prehospital care influence the profile of patients with acute cardiac failure?

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[Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated ST segment: consensus strategy for early reperfusion. The Public Enterprise for Health Emergencies and the ARIAM Project Andalusia]. / Síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST (SCACEST). Estrategia de consenso para una reperfusión precoz. Empresa pública de emergencias sanitarias (EPES) y grupo ARIAM-Andalucía.

UNLABELLED: The two pillars of the appropriate management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are immediate access to defibrillation and early reperfusion. The Public Enterprise for Health Emergencies (EPES) and the Andalusian ARIAM (Analysis of the Delay in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction) Project aim to implement a common basic strategy that can be adapted to local situations in order to facilitate decision making about the treatment of these patients. CONTEXT: The Autonomous Community of Andalusia. PERIOD: March-May 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Professionals that attend patients with STEMI: physicians in the EPES' work group on cardiological processes, emergency department physicians, and physicians working in the intensive care units in the hospitals of the public healthcare system of Andalusia. APPROACH: Levels of evidence. The levels of evidence laid out in the 2004 ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guidelines. REACHING A CONSENSUS: A meeting was held to discuss the aspects to be included in the document. A working document was drafted and distributed to the participants via email. The final consensus document was drafted at another meeting. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus document establishes the following priorities: 1. To apply the set of general measures recommended for the care of STEMI patients strictly and appropriately 2. To foster the use of early reperfusion in as many patients as possible, promoting the extension of fibrinolysis outside of hospitals and referral to a center with facilities for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. 3. To monitor and evaluate the management of these patients, with special attention placed on outcome and safety.

Actuación de los pacientes ante un síndrome coronario agudo: diferencias desde una perspectiva de género / Patient responses to symptoms of acute coronary syndrome: a gender-perspective study

Objetivos: Conocer las características del entorno, pensamientos, actuaciones y tipo de transporte utilizado en hombres y mujeres con síndrome coronario agudo –SCA– (infarto agudo de miocardio y angina inestable) al inicio de los síntomas. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo de una muestra representativa de pacientes ingresados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos de 33 hospitales públicos de las 8provincias andaluzas, entre 2007 y 2010, con diagnóstico al alta de SCA. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 1.416 encuestas: 948 hombres y 468 mujeres, con una edad media de 63,0 años y 70,5, respectivamente. Los síntomas se inician mayormente en la vivienda habitual y por la mañana. Menos de una tercera parte de las personas encuestadas supo desde el principio que se trataba de un infarto (hombres 29,9%, mujeres 24,2% p < 0,001). El 26,0% lo primero que hace es telefonear o desplazarse en busca de familiares, amistades o gente vecina, además las personas realizan más de (..) (AU)

Objective: To determine the environmental characteristics and the opinions, behaviors, and types of transfer to hospital of men and women who experience symptoms of acute coronary syndrome (acute myocardial infarct and unstable angina).Methods: Descriptive observational study of a representative sample of patients with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome who were admitted to the intensive care units of 33 public health service hospitals in 8 provinces in Andalusia, Spain, between 2007 and 2010.Results: A total of 1416 surveys were completed; 948 were for men and 468 were for women (mean [SD] ages, 63.0and 70.5 years, respectively). Symptoms usually began in the patient’s home. Fewer than a third of the patients surveyed knew they were experiencing a coronary event from the beginning of symptoms (29.9% of men and 24.2% of women;P<.001). The first reaction of 26.0% was to call or try to find a family member, friend, or neighbor. Many (..) (AU)

Descripción y resultados iniciales del registro andaluz de parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria / Description of cases in the Andalusian registry of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and initial results

OBJETIVOS: La incidencia y los resultados en la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria muestran gran variabilidad entre países o regiones. Nuestro objetivo es describir los procedimientos y resultados de un registro continuo de ámbito regional. MÉTODO: Descripción y análisis de un registro continuo de casos de parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria atendidos por un sistema de emergencias médicas (SEM). Periodo: enero- 2008/diciembre-2010. Se realiza análisis descriptivo y de los factores asociados con el alta hospitalaria con buen estado neurológico (CPC1-2). RESULTADOS: Se registraron 8.889 pacientes y se realizó reanimación en 3.054 (34,4%): 2.103 (71%) hombres y 857 (29%) mujeres. La media de edad fue 60,1 (DE 17,8) años (hombres: 59, DE = 17,8; mujeres: 63, DE = 19,4). En un tercio de las llamadas el motivo no fue inconsciencia. El 30% de las paradas no fueron presenciadas. La hora del colapso se recogió en el 83,7% de los casos. El ritmo inicial fue desfibrilable en el 19,3%. Hubo reanimación previa por testigos en el 12,8%. El 29% de los pacientes llegó con pulso al hospital, que alcanzó el 56,7% cuando el ritmo inicial era desfibrilable. El 9,1% recibieron el alta con CPC1-2. Los factores asociados con CPC1-2 al alta fueron: lugar de parada "no domicilio" (OR: 2,06; IC: 1,22-3,47), parada presenciada (OR: 2,14; IC: 1,12-4,14), ritmo inicial desfibrilable (OR: 7,04; IC: 4,31-11,5), desfibrilación previa a la llegada del equipo de emergencias (EE) (OR: 2,33; IC: 1,09-4,98) y etiología cardiaca (OR: 2,30; IC: 1,27-4,14). CONCLUSIONES: La automatización en la inclusión de pacientes favorece una alta exhaustividad y minimiza sesgos de inclusión. La fase previa a la llegada de los EE es un aspecto clave en la supervivencia con estado neurológico CPC1-2 y un área de mejora para los SEM

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and response outcomes are highly variable between countries or geographic regions. We aimed to describe procedures and outcomes in these cases based on data from a regional registry. METHODS: Description and analysis of registered cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by an emergency response service from January 2008 to December 2010. Descriptive statistics were analyzed; we also explored factors associated with a satisfactory cerebral performance category (CPC) of 1 or 2 on discharge. RESULTS: Records were obtained for 8889 patients, of whom 3054 (34.4%) were resuscitated; 2,103 (71.04%) of the patients were men and 857 (29%) women. The mean (SD) age was 60.1 (17.8) years (men, 59 [17.8] years; women, 63 (19.4) years. In a third of the calls, the patient had not lost consciousness. In 30%, no witnesses were present at the time of cardiac arrest, and in 83.7% the time of collapse was recorded. A shockable heart rhythm was detected at the start of resuscitation in 19.3%. Witnesses had previously attempted resuscitation of 12.8%. Pulse was present on arrival at the hospital in 56.7% of the patients with a shockable heart rhythm on start of resuscitation. Discharge with a CPC1-2 was possible in 9.1%. Factors associated with a CPC1-2 were cardiac arrest outside the home (odds ratio [OR], 2.056; 95% CI, 1.218-3.472), witnessed event (OR, 2.137; 95% CI, 1.117-4.138), initial shockable heart rhythm (OR, 7.040; 95% CI, 4.313-11.490), defibrillation prior to arrival of first emergency responders (OR, 2.330; 95% CI, 1.091-4.976), and cardiac etiology (OR, 2.295; 95% CI, 1.270-4.145). CONCLUSIONS: Automatic registry of cases facilitates inclusion of all patients and minimizes bias. Factors during the period prior to the arrival of first emergency responders are key to survival in CPC1-2 status and are an aspect to target for improvement

Síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST (SCACEST). Estrategia de consenso para una reperfusión precoz. Empresa pública de emergencias sanitarias (EPES) y grupo ARIAM-Andalucía / Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with elevated ST segment: consensus strategy for early reperfusion. The Public Enterprise for Health Emergencies and the ARIAM Project Andalusia

El manejo adecuado de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMEST) requiere, como elementos centrales, la accesibilidad inmediata a la desfibrilación y la instauración precoz de tratamiento de reperfusión. La empresa pública de emergencias sanitarias de Andalucía (EPES) y el proyecto análisis de los retrasos en el tratamiento del infarto agudo de miocardio (ARIAM), pretenden construir una estrategia básica común, sobre la cual adaptar aspectos locales, que facilite la toma de decisiones sobre el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Ámbito. Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía. Período: marzo-mayo 2006. Participantes. Profesionales que atienden a pacientes con IAMEST: médicos del grupo de trabajo en procesos cardiológicos de la EPES, médicos de Servicios de Urgencias hospitalarios y médicos de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos de los hospitales del sistema sanitario público de Andalucía. Sistema de trabajo. Niveles de evidencia. Se emplearon los niveles de evidencia recogidos en la guía de práctica clínica ACC/AHA de 2004. Elaboración del consenso. Se mantuvo una reunión de discusión sobre los aspectos que debía abordar el documento. Se realizó un documento base que se distribuyó por correo electrónico entre los participantes. En una reunión final se elaboró el documento de consenso. Conclusiones. El consenso establece como prioritarios los siguientes aspectos: 1. Mantener una aplicación estricta y adecuada del conjunto de medidas generales aconsejadas en el proceso de asistencia al IAMEST. 2. Favorecer la realización de reperfusión precoz a la mayor cantidad de pacientes, promoviendo la extensión de la fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria y la derivación a centro útil para intervencionismo coronario percutáneo primario. 3. Monitorizar y evaluar el manejo realizado, con especial atención sobre los resultados y la seguridad de los pacientes

The two pillars of the appropriate management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are immediate access to defibrillation and early reperfusion. The Public Enterprise for Health Emergencies (EPES) and the Andalusian ARIAM (Analysis of the Delay in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction) Project aim to implement a common basic strategy that can be adapted to local situations in order to facilitate decision making about the treatment of these patients. Context. The Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Period: March-May 2006. Participants. Professionals that attend patients with STEMI: physicians in the EPES’ work group on cardiological processes, emergency department physicians, and physicians working in the intensive care units in the hospitals of the public healthcare system of Andalusia. Approach. Levels of evidence. The levels of evidence laid out in the 2004 ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guidelines. Reaching a consensus. A meeting was held to discuss the aspects to be included in the document. A working document was drafted and distributed to the participants via email. The final consensus document was drafted at another meeting. Conclusions. The consensus document establishes the following priorities: 1. To apply the set of general measures recommended for the care of STEMI patients strictly and appropriately 2. To foster the use of early reperfusion in as many patients as possible, promoting the extension of fibrinolysis outside of hospitals and referral to a center with facilities for primary percutaneous coronary intervention. 3. To monitor and evaluate the management of these patients, with special attention placed on outcome and safety