A definitive care hospital for STEMI patients is a hospital with which capability if transport time is 60 minutes or less?

• A. On-site cath lab during daytime hours only
• B. 24/7 thrombolysis capabilities
• C. 24/7 PCI capabilities if transport time is 60 minutes or less
• D. PCI labs available only during business hours

Answer: (C)

Definitive STEMI care hinges on rapid reperfusion with PCI when it can be provided promptly. If you can reach a hospital that performs PCI around the clock and the transport time is 60 minutes or less, that facility is the best choice because PCI can be started immediately, maximizing salvage of heart muscle and improving outcomes. Other options fall short because they lack 24/7 PCI capability or rely on thrombolysis or PCI only during business hours, which can delay definitive treatment in emergent STEMI cases.