From: NYS DOH Bureau of Emergency Medical Services And Trauma Systems Policy: 16-01Date: April 11, 2016 Re: Basic Life Support Acquisition and Transmission of 12 Lead ECGs At the March, 2016 meetings of the State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC) and the State EMS Council (SEMSCO), the acquisition and transmission of 12 Lead ECGs by Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level providers was approved for use by New York State’s EMS agencies. This decision was based on the results of a demonstration project, which established that BLS providers acquiring and transmitting a 12-lead ECG from the field to physicians in hospitals may substantially improve the timeliness of identification and intervention in patients suffering from an ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The SEMAC approved BLS/AEMT 12 Lead ECG acquisition as a regional option. Should an EMS agency wish to implement a 12 lead ECG program at the BLS/AEMT level, the EMS agency must be granted approval by their Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (REMAC) and each certified EMS provider must complete a REMAC approved training program. The acquisition and transmission of 12 lead ECG will be an option in the NYS BLS Protocols, but training will not be included in the state approved original or refresher curricula/courses. In systems heavily reliant on BLS providers, acquiring and transmitting 12-lead ECG from the field to physicians in hospitals can substantially improve the timeliness of identification and intervention in patients suffering from STEMI. This may also improve care in two-tiered systems where BLS is likely to be on scene and working in conjunction with, or intercepting with Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. Policy REMACs may choose, but are not required, to allow BLS/AEMT acquisition and transmission of 12 lead ECG into their systems. If approved, the REMAC may develop a policy for which devices may be used and how they will integrate into the existing systems for STEMI care. Any device approved must be capable of transmitting 12 lead ECG data to the receiving hospital. EMS Agencies wishing to implement a BLS/AEMT 12 lead acquisition and transmission program must make a written request to their REMAC. The request should include, but may not be limited to the following:
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