STEMI
The most common way to determine if a person has had a myocardial infarction is through electrocardiograms (ECGs) that trace the electrical signals in the heart. ECG testing is used to differentiate between two types of myocardial infarctions based on the shape of the tracing. An ST section of the tracing that is higher than the baseline is considered to be a STEMI. A STEMI usually requires aggressive treatment in a timely manner to prevent permanent heart damage.
STEMI is treated by restoring circulation to the heart, called reperfusion therapy, and typical methods are angioplasty, where the arteries are pushed open, and thrombolysis, where the blockage is removed using medications.
The Early Management of Adults with STEMI
The EMS Authority staff participated in a STEMI Work Group co-convened by the American Heart Association and the California Department of Public Health, STEMI & Stroke Prevention Program. The work group developed the STEMI guidelines titled “Recommendations for the Early Management of Adults with ST–Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)”.
Local STEMI Systems
Some local EMS agencies in California have developed the STEMI Critical Care System based on California STEMI Regulations. The EMS Authority has identified and approved the initial plan for the following local EMS agencies as developing and implementing a STEMI System of Care Program: Alameda, Central California, Coastal Valleys, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Inland Counties, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Mountain Valley, Napa, North Coast, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra-Sacramento Valley, Solano, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo county EMS.
California State STEMI Summit 2022
California State STEMI Summit 2022
June 27, 2022 – Virtual half-day STEMI Summit – Flyer (pdf).
California State STEMI Summit 2021
California State STEMI Summit 2021
On June 9, 2021, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) held the first-ever California State STEMI Summit. The first run of this annual event focused on key topics of STEMI Systems of Care, Updates in STEMI Management, and the Future of STEMI Care, among other topics.
If you missed the Summit, or would like to revisit some of the talks given during the half-day event, you can view a video recording of the entire 2021 California State STEMI Summit here:
*Please note, CE/CME credits are not available to viewers who did not register for and attend the entire event on June 9, 2021.