Implementation of guidelines for the treatment of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: the Cologne Infarction Model Registry.

Background: The aim of the Köln (Cologne) Infarction Model is to examine the feasibility of obligatory treatment of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by first-line percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods And Results: The study was performed in Cologne with >1 million citizens, 5 coronary intervention centers, and 11 primary care hospitals. Twelve-lead ECG was available for all emergency medical service (EMS) teams.