Persistent gender gaps in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Spain from 2013 through 2018. / Brecha de género persistente en la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria en España durante el periodo 2013-2018.

OBJECTIVES: To examine gender-related differences in the management and survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Spain during 2 time series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of data recorded in the prospective Spanish OHCA registry (OHSCAR in its Spanish acronym) for 2 time series (2013-2014 and 2017-2018). We included all 11 036 consecutive cases in which an emergency team intervened. The dependent variables were arrival at the hospital after return of spontaneous circulation, overall survival to discharge, and overall survival with good neurological outcomes. Sex was the independent variable. We report descriptive statistics, patient group comparisons, and changes over time. RESULTS: Women were significantly older and less likely to experience an OHCA in a public place, receive automatic external defibrillation, have a shockable heart rhythm, and be attended by an ambulance team within 15 minutes. In addition, fewer women underwent percutaneous coronary interventions or received treatment for hypothermia on admission to the hospital. In 2013-2014 and 2017-2018, respectively, the likelihood of survival was lower for women than men on admission (odds ratio [OR], 0.52 vs OR, 0.61; P .001 and P = .009 in the 2 time series) and at discharge (OR, 0.69 vs 0.72 for men; P = .001 in both time series). Survival with good neurological outcomes was also less likely in women (OR, 0.50 vs 0.63; P .001 in both series). CONCLUSION: The odds for survival and survival with good neurological outcomes were lower for women in nearly all patient groups in both time series. These findings suggest the need to adopt new approaches to address gender differences in OHCA.

OBJETIVO: Examinar las diferencias de género en las características de la parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria (PCRE), los tratamientos, la supervivencia, y los cambios evolutivos en España. METODO: Datos de dos series temporales (2013/2014 y 2017/2018) del registro prospectivo de PCRE (OHSCAR). Se incluyeron todos los casos consecutivos en los que intervino un equipo de emergencias. Las variables dependientes fueron las variables de atención de la PCRE, la llegada al hospital con pulso espontáneo, la supervivencia global al alta, y con buenos resultados neurológicos. El sexo fue la variable independiente. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres fueron significativamente mayores, menos propensas a presentar una PCRE en lugar público, recibir desfibrilación externa automática, tener un ritmo inicial desfibrilable y ser atendidas por una ambulancia en menos de 15 minutos. Además, menos mujeres recibieron intervención coronaria percutánea o hipotermia al ingreso hospitalario. Tanto en 2013/2014 como en 2017/2018 las mujeres tuvieron menos probabilidades de supervivencia al ingreso hospitalario (OR = 0,52; p 0,001; OR = 0,61; p = 0,009 respectivamente), y al alta hospitalaria (OR = 0,69; p = 0,001; OR = 0,72; p = 0,001, respectivamente) y con buenos resultados neurológicos (OR = 0,50; p 0,001; OR = 0,63; p 0,001, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: En ambos periodos las mujeres tuvieron menos probabilidades de sobrevivir y de hacerlo en buenas condiciones neurológicas. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de adoptar nuevos enfoques para abordar las diferencias de género en la PCRE.

Teachers' training of schoolchildren in basic life support. / Formación de escolares en soporte vital básico por sus propios profesores.

OBJECTIVES: To assess first-year secondary-school students' knowledge and performance of basic life support (BLS) 6 months after training given by their regular teachers during school hours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two teachers were trained in BLS instruction. They then instructed 1043 students. The students' knowledge increased significantly from mean (SD) scores of 4.42 (1.64) to 7.28 (1.85) (P < .001) and was maintained at 6 months (mean score, 5.15 [3.16]; P <.001). Performance skills were also maintained at 6 months, although the students had greater difficulty attaining ventilation targets. RESULTS: Sixty-two teachers were trained in BLS instruction. They then instructed 1043 students. The students' knowledge increased significantly from mean (SD) scores of 4.42 (1.64) to 7.28 (1.85) (P < .001) and was maintained at 6 months (mean score, 5.15 [3.16]; P < .001). Performance skills were also maintained at 6 months, although the students had greater difficulty attaining ventilation targets. CONCLUSION: Teachers' training of their own first-year secondary students during regular school hours led to changes in the students' attitudes toward the possibility of cardiac arrest and to the learning of BLS techniques.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la formación en soporte vital básico (SVB), en horario escolar, de alumnos de primero de la enseñanza secundaria obligatoria (ESO) por sus propios profesores y su resultado a los seis meses. METODO: Estudio observacional prospectivo, con análisis pre y postintervención a los seis meses. Se impartieron cursos de SVB según las recomendaciones del European Resuscitation Council a los profesores y estos a sus alumnos. Los exámenes teóricos y prácticos fueron realizados por los profesores. RESULTADOS: . Se formaron 62 profesores que instruyeron a 1.043 alumnos. Hubo un aumento significativo de los conocimientos teóricos [de 4,42 (DE 1,64) a 7,28 (1,85), p < 0,001] aunque descendió a los seis meses [5,15 (3,16), p < 0,001]. Las habilidades prácticas también se mantuvieron a los seis meses, aunque con mayor dificultad las relacionadas con la vía aérea. CONCLUSIONES: La formación en SVB de escolares de primero de la ESO realizada por sus propios profesores en horario modificó la actitud de los escolares ante una posible parada cardiaca y logró un aprendizaje de las técnicas que desciende a los 6 meses.

Formación de escolares en soporte vital básico por sus propios profesores / Teachers' training of schoolchildren in basic life support

Objetivo: Evaluar la formación en soporte vital básico (SVB), en horario escolar, de alumnos de primero de la enseñanza secundaria obligatoria (ESO) por sus propios profesores y su resultado a los seis meses. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo, con análisis pre y postintervención a los seis meses. Se impartieron cursos de SVB según las recomendaciones del European Resuscitation Council a los profesores y estos a sus alumnos. Los exámenes teóricos y prácticos fueron realizados por los profesores. Resultados: Se formaron 62 profesores que instruyeron a 1.043 alumnos. Hubo un aumento significativo de los conocimientos teóricos [de 4,42 (DE 1,64) a 7,28 (1,85), p < 0,001] aunque descendió a los seis meses [5,15 (3,16), p < 0,001]. Las habilidades prácticas también se mantuvieron a los seis meses, aunque con mayor dificultad las relacionadas con la vía aérea. Conclusiones: La formación en SVB de escolares de primero de la ESO realizada por sus propios profesores en horario modificó la actitud de los escolares ante una posible parada cardiaca y logró un aprendizaje de las técnicas que desciende a los 6 meses

Objective: To assess first-year secondary-school students' knowledge and performance of basic life support (BLS) 6 months after training given by their regular teachers during school hours. Method: Prospective observational study comparing pre-intervention and 6-months post-intervention knowledge and performance. The teachers gave BLS classes according to the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council and also supervised the tests of BLS knowledge and performance. Results: Sixty-two teachers were trained in BLS instruction. They then instructed 1043 students. The students' knowledge increased significantly from mean (SD) scores of 4.42 (1.64) to 7.28 (1.85) (P< .001) and was maintained at 6 months (mean score, 5.15 [3.16]; P<.001). Performance skills were also maintained at 6 months, although the students had greater difficulty attaining ventilation targets. Conclusions: Teachers' training of their own first-year secondary students during regular school hours led to changes in the students' attitudes toward the possibility of cardiac arrest and to the learning of BLS techniques

Supervivencia y factores asociados a la práctica de reanimación cardiopulmonar en curso entre los pacientes con parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria / Ambulance cardiopulmonary resuscitation: outcomes and associated factors in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJETIVO: Conocer la supervivencia y los factores asociados a la realización de reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) en curso entre los pacientes con parada cardiaca extrahospitalaria (PCR). MÉTODO: Análisis retrospectivo de un registro de casos de PCR entre 2008 y 2014. Se incluyeron los pacientes con PCR sin recuperación espontánea de pulso en el momento de la toma de decisión del traslado hospitalario y que fueron desestimados para donación en asistolia. Se realizó un análisis multivariante para determinar las variables que se asociaron al uso de una estrategia de reanimación en curso y se determinó la supervivencia y el resultado neurológico en dicho grupo de casos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 7.241 pacientes, de los cuales 259 (3,6%) fueron trasladados al hospital con RCP en curso. La edad media fue 51,6 (DE 23,6) años, de los cuales 27 (10,1%) casos tenían 16 años. Las variables que se asociaron con el uso de RCP en curso fueron: edad 16 años [OR 6,48 (IC95% 3,91-10,76); p < 0,001)], PCR presenciada [OR 1,62 (IC95% 1,16-2,26); p = 0,004], PCR ocurrida fuera del domicilio [OR 3,17 (IC95% 2,38-4,21); p < 0,001)]; etiología no cardiaca [OR 1,47 (IC95%1,07-2,02); p = 0,019], ritmo inicial desfibrilable [OR 1,67 (IC95% 1,17-2,37); p = 0,004], no existencia de soporte vital previo (SVp) [OR 3,48 (IC95% 2,58-4,70); p < 0,001] y realización de intubación orotraqueal (IOT) [OR 1,93 (IC95% 1,24-2,99); p = 0,003]. Un paciente (0,38%) sobrevivió al alta con buen estado neurológico. CONCLUSIONES: La RCP en curso en servicios de emergencias con médico a bordo es una estrategia poco frecuente en casos de PCR. La juventud del paciente, que la PCR suceda fuera del domicilio, sea presenciada, no exista soporte vital previo, tenga un ritmo inicial desfibrilable, una etiología no cardiaca y que se consiga IOT se asocian con esta estrategia cuyo resultado final puede considerarse fútil

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during ambulance transport. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a registry of OHCA cases treated between 2008 and 2014. We included patients who had not recovered circulation at the time it was decided to transport to a hospital and who were rejected as non-heart-beating donors. Multivariate analysis was used to explore factors associated with the use of ambulance CPR, survival, and neurologic outcome. RESULTS: Out of a total of 7241 cases, 259 (3.6%) were given CPR during emergency transport. The mean (SD) age was 51.6 (23.6) years; 27 (10.1%) were aged 16 years or younger. The following variables were associated with the use of CPR during transport: age 16 years or under (odds ratio [OR], 6.48; 95% CI, 3.91-10.76); P

Estrategias de reperfusión en hospitales sin intervención coronaria percutánea primaria / Reperfusion strategies in hospitals without primary percutaneous coronary intervention

No disponible

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) attended by mobile emergency teams with a physician on board. Results of the Spanish OHCA Registry (OSHCAR).

Most survival outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are provided by emergency medical services (EMS) without a doctor on board. Our objective was to determine such outcomes in a whole country with public physician-led EMS. METHODS: We analyzed data from a nationwide prospective registry of OHCA cases attended by 19 public EMS in Spain, covering the period from 1-October 2013 to 30-October 2014. RESULTS: Advanced life support (ALS) was initiated in 9347 cases (incidence 18.6 cases/105 inhabitants per year). Resuscitation was considered futile in 558 cases (5.9%), and ALS was continued in 8789 cases (94.1%); mean age 63.5±17 years, 72.1% men. Initial rhythm was shockable in 22.1% of cases. Basic life support (BLS) was provided by bystanders in 1602 (24%) cases (635 of them with telephone assistance from the dispatch center). Of 8789 patients receiving ALS, 72.1% men, 2669 (30.4%) patients had return of spontaneous circulation on hospital arrival, 50.6% when the initial rhythm was shockable. Hospital discharge with good neurological status (CPC1-2) was found in 11.1% of the study population and in 27.6% when considering the Utstein comparator group of patients. A total of 216 (2.5%) patients arrived at the hospital with ongoing resuscitation, of whom only one survived with CPC1-2, and 165 (1.9%) patients were included in non-heart-beating donation programs. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain with physician-led EMS, OHCA survival with CPC1-2 reached a reasonable percentage despite only a modest contribution of bystander BLS. Ongoing resuscitation strategy seems to be futile except when considering non-heart beating donation programs.

Initial complications and factors related to prehospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation.

OBJECTIVE: Hospital mortality in myocardial infarction ST-elevation myocardial infarction has decreased in recent years, in contrast to prehospital mortality. Our objective was to determine initial complications and factors related to prehospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI). METHODS: Observational study based on a prospective continuous register of patients of any age attended by out-of-hospital emergency teams in Andalusia between January 2006 and June 2009. This includes patients with acute coronary syndrome-like symptoms whose initial ECG showed ST elevation or presumably new left bundle branch block (LBBB). Epidemiological, prehospital data and final diagnostic were recorded. The study included all patients with STEMI on the register, without age restrictions. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 2528 patients were included, 24% were women. Mean age 63.4±13.4 years; 16.7% presented atypical clinical symptoms. Initial complications: ventricular fibrillation (VF) 8.4%, severe bradycardia 5.8%, third-degree atrial-ventricular (AV) block 2.4% and hypotension 13.5%. Fifty-two (2.1%) patients died before reaching hospital. Factors associated with prehospital mortality were female sex (OR 2.36, CI 1.28 to 4.33), atypical clinical picture (OR 2.31, CI 1.21 to 4.41), hypotension (OR 4.95, CI 2.60 to 9.20), LBBB (OR 4.29, CI 1.71 to 10.74), extensive infarction (ST elevation in ≥5 leads) (OR 2.53, CI 1.28 to 5.01) and VF (OR 2.82, CI 1.38 to 5.78). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with STEMI present early complications in the prehospital setting, and some die before reaching hospital. Prehospital mortality was associated with female sex and atypical presentation, as pre-existing conditions, and hypotension, extensive infarction, LBBB and VF on emergency team attendance.

[Out-of-hospital treatment and 1-year survival in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. Results of the Spanish Out-of-Hospital Fibrinolysis Evaluation Project (PEFEX)]. / Tratamiento extrahospitalario y supervivencia al año de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación de ST. Resultados del Proyecto para la Evaluación de la Fibrinólisis Extrahospitalaria (PEFEX).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate out-of-hospital treatment, including fibrinolysis, in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction and to determine the 1-year survival rate. METHODS: Prospective cohort study based on an ongoing out-of-hospital registry of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction who were treated by out-of-hospital emergency teams in Andalusia, Spain during 2001-2004. Patients were followed up in hospital and one year after the acute episode. RESULTS: The study involved 2372 patients. Out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was used in 467 (19.7%). Among these, 20.7% received treatment within the first hour, 68% within the first 2 hours, and 2 (0.4%) hemorrhagic strokes occurred. Episodes of ventricular fibrillation were recorded in 158 patients (6.7%), 106 (67%) of whom were discharged. In addition, 386 (16.3%) patients died in the short term (both out of and in hospital), with 26 (1.1%) dying before they reached hospital. The cumulative 1-year mortality rate was 22.4% (531 patients) overall, and 6.6% (29 patients) in the out-of-hospital fibrinolysis group. Increased survival at 1 year was associated with out-of-hospital fibrinolysis (odds ratio [OR]=0.368; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.238-0.566) and percutaneous coronary intervention during admission (OR=0.445; 95% CI, 0.268-0.740). CONCLUSIONS: In routine clinical practice, out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was performed safely, reduced short-term mortality, and improved the 1-year survival rate. The combination of appropriate out-of-hospital treatment, including early defibrillation and fibrinolysis within the first three hours, together with the systematic application of percutaneous coronary intervention during hospital admission is a suitable treatment strategy for the comprehensive care of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

Tratamiento extrahospitalario y supervivencia al año de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación de ST. Resultados del Proyecto para la Evaluación de la Fibrinólisis Extrahospitalaria (PEFEX) / Out-of-hospital treatment and 1-year survival in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. Results of the spanish out-of-hospital fibrinolysis evaluation project (PEFEX)

Introducción y objetivos. Conocer el manejo extrahospitalario de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación de ST y la aplicación de fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria y analizar la supervivencia de los pacientes al año. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes, sobre un registro extrahospitalario continuo de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST, atendidos por equipos extrahospitalarios de emergencia de Andalucía (España). Período 2001-2004. Se realizó seguimiento hospitalario y al año del evento agudo. Resultados. Se incluyó a 2.372 pacientes. Se realizó fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria en 467 (19,7%) pacientes. Las realizadas en la primera hora fueron el 20,7% y en las primeras 2 h, el 68%, y se produjeron 2 (0,4%) ictus hemorrágicos. Se registraron episodios de fibrilación ventricular en 158 (6,7%) pacientes, de los que 106 (67%) recibieron el alta hospitalaria. La mortalidad inicial (extrahospitalaria y hospitalaria) fue 386 (16,3%) pacientes, 26 (1,1%) de ellos antes de llegar al hospital. La mortalidad acumulada al año fue 531 (22,4%) pacientes, 29 (6,6%) en el grupo que recibió fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria. La fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria (odds ratio [OR] = 0,368; intervalo de confianza [IC], 0,238-0,566) y el intervencionismo coronario percutáneo (ICP) realizado durante el ingreso hospitalario (OR = 0,445; IC, 0,268-0,740) se asociaron con mayor supervivencia al año. Conclusiones. En la práctica habitual, la fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria se realiza de forma segura, disminuye la mortalidad inicial y mejora la supervivencia al año. La combinación de una atención extrahospitalaria adecuada, desfibrilación precoz y fibrinólisis en las primeras 3 h, junto con la realización sistemática de ICP durante el ingreso hospitalario, constituye una estrategia válida de atención integral para los pacientes con infarto y elevación de ST (AU)

Background and objectives. To investigate out-of-hospital treatment, including fibrinolysis, in patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction and to determine the 1-year survival rate. Methods. Prospective cohort study based on an ongoing out-of-hospital registry of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction who were treated by out-of-hospital emergency teams in Andalusia, Spain during 2001­2004. Patients were followed up in hospital and one year after the acute episode. Results. The study involved 2372 patients. Out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was used in 467 (19.7%). Among these, 20.7% received treatment within the first hour, 68% within the first 2 hours, and 2 (0.4%) hemorrhagic strokes occurred. Episodes of ventricular fibrillation were recorded in 158 patients (6.7%), 106 (67%) of whom were discharged. In addition, 386 (16.3%) patients died in the short term (both out of and in hospital), with 26 (1.1%) dying before they reached hospital. The cumulative 1-year mortality rate was 22.4% (531 patients) overall, and 6.6% (29 patients) in the out-of-hospital fibrinolysis group. Increased survival at 1 year was associated with out-of-hospital fibrinolysis (odds ratio [OR]=0.368; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.238­0.566) and percutaneous coronary intervention during admission (OR=0.445; 95% CI, 0.268­0.740). Conclusions. In routine clinical practice, out-of-hospital fibrinolysis was performed safely, reduced short-term mortality, and improved the 1-year survival rate. The combination of appropriate out-of-hospital treatment, including early defibrillation and fibrinolysis within the first three hours, together with the systematic application of percutaneous coronary intervention during hospital admission is a suitable treatment strategy for the comprehensive care of patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (AU)

[Out-of-hospital treatment of acute myocardial infarction in Andalusia, Spain]. / Tratamiento extrahospitalario del infarto agudo de miocardio en Andalucía.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that out-of-hospital thrombolysis is effective. Our objectives were to investigate out-of-hospital emergency management of acute myocardial infarction by paramedical teams and to identify factors associated with out-of-hospital use of fibrinolytic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The study made use of a registry of all patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome who were diagnosed and treated out of hospital by emergency paramedical teams in Andalusia, Spain in the 2-year period: 2001-2002. Follow-up was carried out during hospital admission and after one month. RESULTS: The study included 981 patients, mean age 65 [13] years, 777 male (79.2%). In total, 152 (15.5%) received out-of-hospital thrombolysis; 18% within the first hour, and 68% within the first 2 hours following symptom onset. No hemorrhagic stroke was observed following thrombolysis. During hospitalization, 206 (21%) patients died, eight (0.8%) of whom had received out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Factors associated with the administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis included: age under 55 years (P<.0001), normal systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 6.825; 95% confidence interval, 2.442-19.069), and an in-hospital diagnosis of anterior acute myocardial infarction (P<.022). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis by emergency paramedical teams enables treatment to be administered within the optimum time interval. Mortality during hospital admission is lower in this subgroup of patients than in those who did not receive out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Moreover, the low complication rate observed indicates that the procedure is safe. However, the patients who received out-of-hospital thrombolysis appeared to be those at a lower risk.

Tratamiento extrahospitalario del infarto agudo de miocardio en Andalucía / Out-of-hospital treatment of acute myocardial infarction in Andalusia, Spain

Introducción y objetivos. En ensayos clínicos y metaanálisis se ha demostrado que la trombólisis extrahospitalaria es eficaz. Nuestro objetivo es analizar el manejo del infarto agudo de miocardio por equipos de emergencias extrahospitalarios, así como evaluar los factores asociados a la aplicación de fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria.Pacientes y método. Registro prehospitalario continuo de pacientes atendidos y diagnosticados de síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST por los equipos de emergencias extrahospitalarios de Andalucía. Duración: 2 años (2001-2002). Se realiza un seguimiento al ingreso hospitalario y al mes de éste.Resultados. Se atendió a un total de 981 pacientes, con una edad media de 65 ± 13 años, de los que 777 (79,2%) eran varones. Se realizaron 152 (15,5%) fibrinólisis extrahospitalarias. El 18% de éstas se realizó en la primera hora de evolución y el 68% en las primeras 2 h, sin que se produjeran accidentes cerebrovasculares hemorrágicos posfibrinólisis. La mortalidad en el ingreso hospitalario fue de 206 pacientes (21%), de los cuales 8 (0,8%) fueron tratados con fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria. Las variables asociadas a la administración de fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria fueron la edad < 55 años (p < 0,0001), la presión arterial sistólica normal (odds ratio = 6,825; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,442-19,069) y el diagnóstico hospitalario de infarto agudo de miocardio anterior (p < 0,022).Conclusiones. La fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria realizada por los equipos de emergencias permite aplicar el tratamiento dentro de los intervalos óptimos de tiempo. La mortalidad en el ingreso hospitalario en este subgrupo de pacientes es menor que en los no tratados con fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria. Además, la baja tasa de complicaciones muestra la seguridad del procedimiento. No obstante, los pacientes tratados con fibrinólisis extrahospitalaria parecen ser los de menor riesgo

Introduction and objectives. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that out-of-hospital thrombolysis is effective. Our objectives were to investigate out-of-hospital emergency management of acute myocardial infarction by paramedical teams and to identify factors associated with out-of-hospital use of fibrinolytic therapy.Patients and method. The study made use of a registry of all patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome who were diagnosed and treated out of hospital by emergency paramedical teams in Andalusia, Spain in the 2-year period: 2001-2002. Follow-up was carried out during hospital admission and after one month.Results. The study included 981 patients, mean age 65 [13] years, 777 male (79.2%). In total, 152 (15.5%) received out-of-hospital thrombolysis; 18% within the first hour, and 68% within the first 2 hours following symptom onset. No hemorrhagic stroke was observed following thrombolysis. During hospitalization, 206 (21%) patients died, eight (0.8%) of whom had received out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Factors associated with the administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis included: age under 55 years (P<.0001), normal systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 6.825; 95% confidence interval, 2.442-19.069), and an in-hospital diagnosis of anterior acute myocardial infarction (P<.022).Conclusions. The administration of out-of-hospital thrombolysis by emergency paramedical teams enables treatment to be administered within the optimum time interval. Mortality during hospital admission is lower in this subgroup of patients than in those who did not receive out-of-hospital thrombolysis. Moreover, the low complication rate observed indicates that the procedure is safe. However, the patients who received out-of-hospital thrombolysis appeared to be those at a lower risk