If the ECG shows a STEMI mimic, what should be done?

When an ECG indicates a STEMI mimic, the appropriate course of action is to transmit the ECG to the STEMI facility for determination. This step is crucial because it allows specialized healthcare providers to evaluate the ECG findings remotely and make informed decisions regarding patient care. Given the complexity of cardiac conditions, the expertise of a STEMI team can provide valuable insights into whether the patient is experiencing a true STEMI or a different cardiac event that may mimic its presentation.

Transmitting the ECG facilitates timely communication and ensures that the patient can receive the most appropriate treatment upon arrival at the facility. This may involve advanced imaging or further interventions specific to the patient's condition. In emergency medicine, rapid and accurate decision-making is fundamental, and leveraging the expertise of the receiving facility can dramatically improve patient outcomes.

While other actions, such as reassessing the patient or performing additional tests, may be valuable in certain circumstances, they may delay definitive care for the patient. Administering thrombolytics immediately, especially in the presence of an ECG that merely mimics STEMI, could lead to unnecessary complications if the underlying cause is not truly a STEMI.