Giornale italiano di cardiologia
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We report our experience in the organization and management of a Cardiac First Aid Unit (CFAU) which was developed according to the guidelines of the National Hospital Cardiologists Association as a part of a General Emergency Department. The CFAU is a 24 hour service directed by a Senior Cardiologist. The medical facilities are two monitored beds for short-term observation (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation instruments, echocardiograph, endoesophageal pacing for overdrive). ⋯ In no case was diagnosed AMI after discharge. Cardiac First Aid Unit, as designed in our Hospital, suits the needs of a level II Emergency Department. It is a useful tool to shorten in-hospital delay to thrombolysis and to screen chest pain with nearly complete safety.