What would paramedics offer on the way to hospital for suspected acute coronary syndrome?

What would paramedics offer on the way to hospital for suspected acute coronary syndrome?

• A. Aspirin 300 mg
• B. Ibuprofen 200 mg
• C. Paracetamol 500 mg
• D. Clopidogrel 75 mg

Answer: (A)

In suspected acute coronary syndrome, quick antiplatelet therapy to limit clot growth is essential. Giving 300 mg of aspirin in chewable form starts working fast because chewing speeds absorption, and aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1, lowering thromboxane A2 and reducing platelet aggregation. This immediate effect helps reduce mortality and recurrent ischemic events while the patient is en route to hospital, provided there are no contraindications like allergy, active major bleeding, or a significant GI bleed. The other options don’t offer the same rapid, proven benefit. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can interfere with aspirin’s effect and isn’t recommended in ACS. Paracetamol provides pain relief without affecting the platelet clotting process. Clopidogrel is another antiplatelet used in ACS but is not routinely given by paramedics prehospital due to slower onset and the need for hospital-based assessment and dosing in most protocols.

In suspected acute coronary syndrome, quick antiplatelet therapy to limit clot growth is essential. Giving 300 mg of aspirin in chewable form starts working fast because chewing speeds absorption, and aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX-1, lowering thromboxane A2 and reducing platelet aggregation. This immediate effect helps reduce mortality and recurrent ischemic events while the patient is en route to hospital, provided there are no contraindications like allergy, active major bleeding, or a significant GI bleed.

The other options don’t offer the same rapid, proven benefit. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can interfere with aspirin’s effect and isn’t recommended in ACS. Paracetamol provides pain relief without affecting the platelet clotting process. Clopidogrel is another antiplatelet used in ACS but is not routinely given by paramedics prehospital due to slower onset and the need for hospital-based assessment and dosing in most protocols.