CARDIAC CARE WILL START WITH FIELD PARAMEDICS.

Byline: TONY CASTRO Staff Writer

Northridge Hospital and Providence St. Joseph Medical centers will begin operating today as specialized receiving centers under Los Angeles County's new system for cardiac care.

Dr. William Koenig, director of the county's Emergency Medical Services, said about 30 hospitals will eventually be part of a network designed to expedite treatment for heart patients to improve their chances of survival.

Under the new system, paramedics in the field will administer EKGs to suspected heart-attack patients -- kicking off quicker response times from cardiologists and catherization teams at the receiving center closest to the patient's location.

``I know individual hospitals are very proud of the designation,'' Koenig said, ``but eventually, it's the network that is going to save a lot of lives.''

Koenig said treating heart-attack patients within 90 minutes of their first symptoms is likely to ``reduce mortality rate and help save heart muscle.''

Dr. Stephen Jones, director of the Emergency Department at Northridge Hospital, said he and his staff have trained more than 150 paramedics and firefighters in the new procedures.

``We truly have put the community first by achieving what is considered the most stringent standards for heart care in the nation,'' Jones said in a statement.

Torrance Memorial Medical Center also was designated as a receiving center.

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