AMI Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there contraindications for administering thrombolytic therapy in the emergency room prior to transfer?

Transfer alone would not be a contraindication to administering thrombolytic therapy prior to discharge. If there are no other contraindications, thrombolytic therapy should be administered prior to transfer if possible until the receiving facility can continue with other possible therapies such as PTCA to improve patient outcomes.

2. Should a physician be held accountable for not documenting treatments that are contraindicated (e.g. not ordering a beta blocker for a hypotensive patient)?

With the increased nationwide concerns over patient safety and reducing medical errors, lack of documentation could be perceived as an error of omission in following recommended standards of care.