Time from first medical contact to reperfusion in ST elevation myocardial infarction: a Which Early ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Therapy (WEST) substudy.

Background: Recent research and contemporary ST elevation myocardial infarction guidelines emphasize the importance of prompt reperfusion and have redefined the traditional time to treatment metric to include prehospital paramedical staff as the point of first medical contact. However, an important knowledge gap exists relating to data systematically addressing the impact of arrival at the hospital by ambulance and the delays inherent in transfer from a community hospital to tertiary centres for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: The Which Early ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Therapy (WEST) study initiated treatment at the point of first medical contact, including prehospital contact.