Clinical Case Report

The role of technology and telemetry medicine in the initial management of a ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction in a rural emergency department

AUTHOR

name here
Michael L Hood
1 Master of International Health, Registered Nurse *

AFFILIATIONS

1 Koondrook-Barham Hospital, Barham, NSW, 2732

ACCEPTED: 12 November 2017


early abstract:

Background: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is an integral part of the diagnostic tools available for recognising a patient who is experiencing a ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consequently, a great emphasis is placed on the rapid acquisition and expert interpretation of the 12-lead ECG in order that the appropriate reperfusion management might be commenced in a timely manner to optimise patient outcomes by preventing further damage to the myocardium. With the advancement of telemetric and diagnostic abilities of the modern ECG machine, the role of frontline rural emergency clinicians is as important as ever.

Methods: The following paper is a case report that describes the presentation and management of a person experiencing a STEMI in a rural Australian hospital emergency department setting.

Results: The emanating point of interest from this case report is the early clinician recognition of significant ST-segment elevation in multiple leads of the initial ECG trace indicating a STEMI. Despite the presence of significant acute ST-segment changes throughout the trace, the ECG's diagnostic analysis of the 12-lead ECG did not identify it as meeting STEMI criteria. Subsequently, the ECG was not recommended by the ECG machine for telemetric transmission to the remote on-call cardiologist for immediate STEMI management guidance. This paper's discussion focuses on the telemetric technology utilised in the management of STEMIs in the rural emergency department, the diagnostic ability of the modern ECG and the role of the frontline rural emergency clinician in the utilisation of such technology.

Conclusion: Competent utilisation of key technologies applied to the ECG machine require the clinician to be well trained in the technical use of the equipment, have a thorough understanding of how the technology interacts within the established clinical pathway and be ready to apply its use in a timely manner in order to prevent delays in treatment. Furthermore, an over-reliance on the diagnostic ability of the modern ECG machine in the rural or remote context may potentially lead to poor patient outcomes.