Louisville, Ky.-based Mary & Elizabeth Hospital announced a new cardiac catheterization lab, which opened June 24. The lab guarantees round-the-clock care for severe heart attack patients.
As of Aug. 18, EMS workers can record an EKG in an ambulance, allowing the physician to view it on his or her cellphone. If a heart attack is confirmed, a special heart care team will be activated, and the patient will be rushed to the cath lab upon arrival.
Melisa Adkins, BSN, RN, CAO of the hospital, said the new lab allows local residents to be treated as quickly and as close to home as possible.
"Miles saved are lives saved," Ms. Adkins said. "Heart muscle does not regenerate."
The lab is Mary & Elizabeth Hospital's second cath lab. It was funded thanks to a $1 million internal investment.