title: One-third of EDs may fail to meet 90-minute target for heart attack patients.
abstract: Consistent implementation of core strategies can help your ED cut as much as 30 minutes off your door-to-balloon time, according to the American College of Cardiology. Here are some steps you can start taking today: Work with emergency medical services (EMS) to establish a clear set of guidelines under which paramedics can perform an electrocardiogram in the field. Establish a protocol that enables the ED physician to activate the catheterization surgery room. Have a multidisciplined quality assurance team monitor your performance on a daily basis to ensure adherence to guidelines.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States