The Southtown Star recently published an article highlighting a significant donation of advanced medical equipment to several fire departments in the South Suburbs. According to a press release from the Franciscan Alliance Foundation, St. James Health has provided state-of-the-art 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) machines to fire departments in Country Club Hills, Homewood, and University Park. These devices are now being installed in ambulances to enhance emergency care for patients experiencing heart-related issues.
This technology enables first responders to conduct 12-lead ECGs on-site during emergencies, especially for individuals suspected of having a heart attack—such as STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), which is one of the most severe types. The system can detect abnormal heart rhythms and transmit real-time data directly to Franciscan St. James Health. This allows the hospital’s emergency department and cardiac catheterization lab to prepare for the patient’s arrival while they’re still en route, potentially saving critical time.
The American Heart Association reports that nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. suffer from STEMI annually. Research shows that using 12-lead ECGs before hospital arrival significantly reduces "door to balloon" time—the time it takes to open a blocked artery. Recent studies emphasize that activating the cath lab while the patient is still on the way leads to the best outcomes.
Dr. Daniel Netluch, Chief Medical Officer at Franciscan St. James, said in the release: “Our goal is to shorten the time it takes to get patients to treatment. The 20 to 30 minutes we can save by receiving this information while the patient is in transit can help preserve heart muscle, save more lives, and improve the quality of life for these patients.â€
Additionally, Franciscan St. James has strengthened its partnerships with surrounding communities, including Chicago Heights, Frankfort, Matteson, and Monee. These collaborations have helped the hospital become the first and only south suburban facility to earn Chest Pain Center accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.
Thanks Dan.
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