Plans to launch pathway which will increase the chances of survival for people that suffer life-threatening heart attacks in Whanganui

A pathway is being launched in Whanganui and MidCentral DHBs to increase the survival chances of people who suffer from the most life-threatening form of heart attack. Photo / Jesse King

Eight people suffer the most life-threatening form of heart attack in New Zealand every day and only three of them survive to get immediate treatment.

St John, in collaboration with the Cardiac Network and Ministry of Health, plans to increase heart attack victims' chances of survival with the launch of a new STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) pathway. STEMI is the most life-threatening form of heart attack.

The pathway will be launched throughout the Whanganui and MidCentral District Health Boards and reduce the time it takes for patients to get lifesaving therapy.

The pathway enables paramedics to give a clot busting drug to patients experiencing a STEMI heart attack and then transport those patients to the most appropriate hospital.

St John medical director Tony Smith said the pathway represents a great step forward for New Zealand.

"I'm proud of the way all the clinicians have worked together collaboratively, to break down barriers to improving patient care," Smith said.

"This is going to directly save lives and ensure that more New Zealanders will return home to their families."

A STEMI occurs when there is a full blockage of one of the major arteries of the heart.

The sooner blood flow is restored to the heart, the lower the risk of death and the less damage to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart failure and other complications.

New Zealand has nine hospitals able to treat STEMI patients effectively, all within urban areas, covering just 20 per cent of the geographical area.

This means as few as 30 per cent of New Zealand's population can reach effective treatment within the recommended 90-minute window.

Approximately 350 patients each year could benefit from this pathway, resulting in long-term survival and a reduced burden on the New Zealand health system.

This will bring New Zealand in line with other countries that have advanced health systems.

MidCentral DHB general manager, strategy, planning and performance Craig Johnston said the rollout of the STEMI pathway was a positive result for patients.

"The ability to have STEMI patients assessed in the community by St John paramedics will decrease transfer waiting times to Wellington Hospital, preserve cardiac function and improve outcomes for patients across the region."