Managing Paramedic Knowledge for Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the efficacy of the Knowledge Management (KM) paradigm in the context of UK paramedics’ assessment and treatment of patients with suspected acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or ‘heart attack’. We outline the role of thrombolytic therapy and other aspects of emergency cardiac care and discuss how contemporary KM tools and techniques can be used to support the development and retention of key clinical skills and knowledge in this emerging field of practice. The paper examines some of the key issues posed by the increasing skill base and associated knowledge of Health Professionals such as paramedics and why any KM approach needs to be aware of this in order to ensure optimal clinical practice.