Administering Aspirin at onset of heart attack is standard EMT protocol

New survey results indicate that emergency medical providers are administering aspirin to patients at the onset of a suspected heart attack. McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. and makers of the trusted St. Joseph brand, now make it more convenient and accessible for consumers to take aspirin when faced with a heart attack situation.

The new St. Joseph Companion Aspirin contains a recommended "emergency" dose and chewable form in an easy-to-open, portable pouch.

"It has been estimated that 5,000 to 10,000 lives could be saved each year if people would take aspirin when they experience symptoms of a heart attack," notes Dr. Jullette Saussy, board-certified emergency medicine physician and director for Emergency Medical Services for the City of New Orleans. "The St. Joseph Companion Aspirin gives consumers a recommended right dose and chewable form."

In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration advised on new indications for aspirin, which included reducing the risk of death in patients with suspected heart attacks when taken at the onset of symptoms. Based on these indications, the FDA suggests that conscious patients chew 160 to 162.5 mg of aspirin at the onset of heart attack symptoms. However, aspirin alone won't treat a heart attack and emergency medical attention is necessary to reduce damage caused by a heart attack and to potentially save lives.

According to the survey commissioned by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, 84 percent of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) say it is standard protocol to give aspirin to a conscious patient during a suspected heart attack; however, only about one-third of those surveyed (34 percent) are aware that the FDA has guidelines on the use and proper dosage of aspirin for patients suffering a suspected heart attack.

"More education and training are needed to ensure that consumers and first responders are aware of the appropriate aspirin form and dosage to take at the time of a suspected heart attack," notes Dr. Saussy. "When every second counts, immediate emergency response is crucial."