THE work of East Anglian paramedics has been highlighted in a report to the Prime Minister aimed at showing how vital, life-saving treatments are being delivered. Ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk lead the way in delivering thromboly

THE work of East Anglian paramedics has been highlighted in a report to the Prime Minister aimed at showing how vital, life-saving treatments are being delivered.

Ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk lead the way in delivering thrombolysis, a clot-busting treatment for patients who have suffered a heart attack.

Their work has been backed by Professor Roger Boyle, Department of Health, who said there had been vast improvements in the treatment of heart disease since 2000.

He said: "Paramedics are now trained to assess, diagnose and provide thrombolysis treatment at the scene, which should lead to 500 fewer deaths, 1,000 fewer recurrent heart attacks and 250 fewer serious complications such as strokes, every year."

Paul Murray, cardiac nurse specialist for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS), said getting the treatment to patients quicker was not only a potential life-saver but also left patients with a much better quality of life than if they had waited until they reached hospital.

He said: "We've been very successful in East Anglia because not only have we trained all of our paramedics to give the drug, but we have a very robust system of clinical support.