The recommended time frame for PCI after first medical contact is within how many minutes?

The recommended time frame for PCI after first medical contact is within how many minutes?

• A. Within 60 minutes
• B. Within 120 minutes
• C. Within 180 minutes
• D. Within 90 minutes from arrival to balloon

Answer: (B)

In STEMI care, every minute counts and the clock starts at first medical contact, which could be EMS on the scene or the provider who first evaluates the patient. The guideline sets a maximum of 120 minutes from that initial contact to PCI (the device), even if transfer to a PCI-capable center is needed. This FMC-to-device window accounts for recognizing STEMI, activating the cath lab, and transporting the patient for reperfusion. While door-to-balloon time at a PCI center is often aimed at 90 minutes, the broader FMC-to-device target is 120 minutes. The other timeframes don’t fit this measure, and the “arrival to balloon” metric is a different (door-to-balloon) benchmark. So, the recommended timeframe is within 120 minutes.

In STEMI care, every minute counts and the clock starts at first medical contact, which could be EMS on the scene or the provider who first evaluates the patient. The guideline sets a maximum of 120 minutes from that initial contact to PCI (the device), even if transfer to a PCI-capable center is needed. This FMC-to-device window accounts for recognizing STEMI, activating the cath lab, and transporting the patient for reperfusion. While door-to-balloon time at a PCI center is often aimed at 90 minutes, the broader FMC-to-device target is 120 minutes. The other timeframes don’t fit this measure, and the “arrival to balloon” metric is a different (door-to-balloon) benchmark. So, the recommended timeframe is within 120 minutes.