Managing Paramedic Knowledge for Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Managing Paramedic Knowledge for Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Tom Quinn, Raj K. Bali, Dale Katherine, Pete Gregory
Copyright: © 2008 |Pages: 6
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-889-5.ch105
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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.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Paramedic: Registered health care professional who provides emergency and urgent care and treatment to patients who are either acutely ill or injured; paramedics usually work outside the hospital environment and are able to perform a variety of advanced skills, administer a range of drugs, and carry out certain surgical techniques.

Emergency Cardiac Care: Includes resuscitation from cardiac arrest and care of patients with suspected heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) and its complications.

Thrombolysis: Use of drugs to break down a blood clot that is obstructing a blood vessel (usually an artery).

Knowledge Management: The collection, organization, analysis, and sharing of information held by workers and groups within an organization.

Myocardial Infarction: Another term for a heart attack; occurs when a blood vessel (an artery) to the heart is blocked.

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