Following a recent announcement and position statement from the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT), the association released a press release on Oct. 5 on the emergency use of aspirin, recommending the administration of at least 162 mg of aspirin to patients suspected of acute myocardial infarction (MI).
“Research has continually shown that giving aspirin at the onset of acute MI significantly reduces the risk of death,” says NAEMT President-Elect Jerry Johnston in the press release. “The NAEMT Board adopted its position statement on emergency aspirin administration in order to encourage ambulance services to educate their personnel about this low-cost, simple and safe method of treating patients during a cardiac emergency.”
The board’s decision follows a July 2005 survey of NAEMT members that showed four out of five NAEMT members confirm administration of aspirin to conscious patients experiencing heart attack symptoms is standard protocol. However, only 34% were aware of the 1998 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on the use and proper dosage of emergency aspirin for heart attacks. Specifically, the science-backed guidelines state that providers should administer an initial dose of 160–162.5 mg of aspirin for cases of suspected MI.
In light of this recommendation by the NAEMT, the St. Joseph brand, which launched its low-dose (81mg) aspirin tablet in 1922, is promoting its Companion Aspirin that contains 162 mg of chewable aspirin—the appropriate dose in a convenient, easy-to-open pouch.
“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 Jullette Saussy, MD, board-certified emergency medicine physician and director for EMS for the City of New Orleans.
To read the Sept. 23 NAEMT position statement, click here. To read the NAEMT press release, click here. (PDF, 135KB) For more information on the Companion Aspirin, click here.