Emergency Medical Services Utilization and Outcomes of Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Lebanon

Abstract Background Arrival of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) results in shorter reperfusion times and lower mortality in developed countries. Objectives This study examines EMS use by STEMI patients in Lebanon and associated clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective observational study with chart review was carried out for STEMI patients arriving to the Emergency Department of a tertiary care center in Lebanon between January 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016. A descriptive analysis was done and followed by a bivariate analysis comparing two groups of patients (EMS vs. Non-EMS). Results A total of 280 patients were included in the study. They were mostly male (71.8%). Mean age was 65.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 63.4–66.9). Only 12.5% (95% CI 8.6–16.4) presented by EMS. Chest pain (81.1%) was the most common presenting symptom. Anterior myocardial infarction was the most common electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnosis (51.4%). Most patients were admitted (98.2%), and 72.0% of these patients were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Cardiogenic shock was the most frequent in-hospital complication (6.2%). The mortality rate was 7.1%. Mean door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon times were 10.8 (95% CI 7.1–14.4) min and 106.2 (95% CI 95.9–116.6) min, respectively. Patients’ characteristics, presenting symptoms, outcomes, and performance metrics were similar between the two groups. Conclusion EMS is underutilized by STEMI patients in Lebanon and is not associated with improvement in clinical outcomes. Medical oversight and quality initiatives focusing on outcomes of patients with timely sensitive emergencies are needed to advance the prehospital care system in Lebanon.