Cardiac Ischemia

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Cocco (Emergency medicine resident) and Tristen Hovius (Prehospital Care Specialist) take a deep dive into the Cardiac Ischemia medical directive and the realities of identifying and treating suspected cardiac ischemia in the prehospital setting. Moving beyond textbook chest pain, they explore anginal equivalents, atypical presentations, ECG limitations, and the evidence behind early interventions like ASA and nitroglycerin. Through practical discussion and case-based examples, this episode emphasizes a low-threshold, evidence-based approach to suspected cardiac ischemia, while helping paramedics build confidence navigating the gray areas of the directive.