.png)
The Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC) continues to make strides in improving emergency cardiac care across the state. Each of our clinical workgroups has been actively engaged in refining protocols, developing educational materials, and collaborating on best practices to enhance patient outcomes.
Below are the latest updates from our workgroups:
ECG Education
The ECG Education Workgroup is in the final stages of developing the 12-Lead Placement Course. This course aims to standardize ECG lead placement techniques, ensuring accurate and efficient interpretation for improved patient care. More details will be shared soon on course access and training opportunities.
Shock Workgroup
The next Shock Workgroup meeting will feature a case presentation by Chalak Berzingi, MD (Carilion) on March 13. Additionally, the team is making progress on drafting a statewide shock protocol, incorporating insights and feedback from multiple centers to create a unified approach to shock management across Virginia.
Thrombolytics Workgroup
The Thrombolytics Workgroup is preparing for its next meeting in April, where members will review and draft a statewide protocol for thrombolytic therapy. The goal is to ensure consistent and evidence-based thrombolytic administration across all participating facilities.
ED Bypass Workgroup
The team is finalizing STEMI definitions to establish a shared standard across the state.
Medication Survey Deployment: The group has developed a statewide survey to gather insights into pre-cath lab medication practices and management protocols for STEMI cases, including walk-ins, POV (privately owned vehicle) arrivals, and interfacility transfers.
Your participation is crucial in shaping standardized practices—please take a moment to respond to the survey:
PE Response Team (PERT) Round Table
The VHAC Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) Workgroup is hosting a virtual roundtable discussion on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 5:00-6:00 PM. This event will focus on advancing pulmonary embolism (PE) management strategies and fostering collaboration across hospital systems.
Topics of Discussion
Low-Dose Thrombolytics – When and how to use them
ECMO & RV Support – Identifying patients needing early transfer
Chronic vs. Acute RV Dysfunction – Differentiating pulmonary hypertension cases
Standardized PE Protocols – Enhancing triage and treatment strategies
Collaboration Across Hospitals – Connecting specialists for better patient care
Who Should Attend?
🔹 PE Response Team Members🔹 ICU/ED Staff🔹 Cardiology & Pulmonology Specialists🔹 Emergency Medicine Physicians🔹 Anyone interested in improving rapid response strategies for PE patients
This roundtable is a key opportunity to learn from real-world cases, exchange best practices, and enhance lifesaving care for PE patients across Virginia.
Join us in shaping the future of emergency cardiac and vascular care by becoming a part of a VHAC workgroup! Whether you're passionate about ECG education, shock management, thrombolytics, ED bypass strategies, or pulmonary embolism response, your expertise and insights can help improve patient outcomes across Virginia. Our collaborative workgroups focus on developing standardized protocols, sharing best practices, and advancing innovative solutions in emergency medicine. Be a part of the conversation and help drive meaningful change. Visit Clinical Workgroups | VHAC to learn more and join a workgroup today!
For more information, visit www.vaheartattackcoalition.org or contact us at info@vaheartattackcoalition.org
Comments