[Measures in the prehospital phase of acute myocardial infarct].

The prehospital period of acute myocardial infarction is burdened by high mortality essentially caused by electrical instability. Delay in hospitalization is composed by decision time of the patient, arrival and decision time of the physician, transport, and admission period in the hospital. Marked shortening of these periods is urgent for control of ventricular fibrillation by DC-shock and is a prerequisite for early thrombolysis which possibly could reduce mortality further. Organizational and educational measures for that purpose are pointed out. Medical care during the prehospital period is discussed.