RESTORE

Heart attack patients who call 911 will receive faster treatment through new training by paramedics. As part of government's Better Care Sooner health plan, the provincial pre-hospital STEMI Reperfusion Strategy (RESTORE) expanded province wide.

Advanced care paramedics can now administer Tenectoplase (TNK), a new generation clot-busting medication if they are treating someone experiencing a heart attack.

"We hope this new training will encourage people to call 911 if they think they are having a heart attack because every second counts," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. "This is one of the best ways to receive care sooner as we implement our new emergency plan for Nova Scotia."

The earlier a patient experiencing a heart attack from an arterial blockage has it removed, the better the chance the heart muscle will not be damaged. The TNK medication, administered by needle, begins the treatment immediately.

Nova Scotia's ground ambulances are also equipped with 12-lead defibrillators capable of performing the same type of electrocardiogram test a patient would receive after arriving at the hospital.

Eric Lawseth of Sydney, the first person in Nova Scotia to receive the clot-busting drug, says it saved his life. "I was very fortunate. Within four minutes of receiving the drug I felt better," said Mr Lawseth.

"Whenever you are feeling unwell and suspect that it might be heart attack, don't think of getting in your car and driving -- get someone to call 911 and let the paramedics who have the training take care of you."