STEMI networks typically operate through a coordinated approach involving:
1. Pre-Hospital Care: EMS personnel are trained to identify STEMI cases quickly using electrocardiograms (ECGs) and to initiate pre-hospital thrombolysis if necessary.
2. Transport Protocols: Patients are often transported directly to specialized centers capable of performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), bypassing non-specialized hospitals to save critical time.
3. Hospital Coordination: Specialized centers, often termed "hub" hospitals, work in conjunction with "spoke" hospitals to provide comprehensive care. This includes rapid angioplasty and post-procedural care.
