After obtaining a 12 lead EKG, what is the recommended timeframe for transmitting it to the receiving hospital?

Transmitting a 12-lead EKG to a receiving hospital within a timeframe of 10 minutes is critical in acute cardiac care, particularly for conditions like ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). This prompt transmission ensures that the medical team at the receiving hospital is aware of the patient’s status and can prepare for necessary interventions, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytics, before the patient arrives. This quick communication can significantly impact patient outcomes by facilitating faster decision-making and treatment initiation, which can ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality associated with acute coronary events.

While transmitting within 15 minutes is certainly advantageous, the standard benchmark in many protocols is 10 minutes, as it aligns with best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency cardiac care. Timely transmission is part of a broader protocol to ensure that patients receive rapid and appropriate treatment, minimizing the time that they might experience acute symptoms and improving their chances of recovery.