GWV/Medic 303 introduce pre-hospital cardiac evaluation system

12 lead EKG systems provide advanced heart attack care when used pre-hospital

May 15, WILKES-BARRE - Geisinger Wyoming Valley recently introduced the first pre-hospital cardiac technology evaluation system to the Wilkes-Barre area. In collaboration with Pittston based Medic 303, a paramedic unit owned and operated by Geisinger Wyoming Valley, the system is designed to diagnose heart attack patients before they arrive at the Emergency Department.

When arriving at the scene of a 911 call, Medic 303 paramedics and emergency medical technicians are able to perform cardiac testing on the victim using a 12 lead EKG system to diagnose a heart attack. The 12 lead EKG system automatically sends test results to Emergency Department physicians, alerting them that a heart attack patient is on the way.

An emergency department physician identifies the abnormal EKG prior to the patient arriving at the Emergency Department and notifies the cardiologist and the cardiac catherization laboratory team to the need of their services. The patient is quickly transported to the heart catherization lab, cutting critical minutes from the patients wait time and saving valuable heart tissue.

“This new service offers life saving minutes to victims of heart attacks. Being able to offer this advanced care compliments the recognition we received earlier this year as an accredited Chest Pain Center, one of only two in Pennsylvania,” noted Dr. Heather Horton, Director of Interventional Cardiology, The Heart Hospital at Geisinger Wyoming Valley.

Medic 303 Supervisor, Jack Lasky said, “the benefit to patients in our service area has been tremendous already. With the equipment, we’re able to provide the Emergency Department with critical lifesaving information that will provide faster care.”

Medic 303 has served communities in the Greater Pittston Area for more than 25 years and is based at 57 North Main Street, Pittston. For more information on Medic 303 and Geisinger, call 826-7717.

# # # #