Guam Regional Medical City Helps Advance Emergency Heart Attack Care Through Innovative EKG Technology

Guam Regional Medical City Helps Advance Emergency Heart Attack Care Through

Innovative EKG Technology

Collaboration Between GRMC, Guam Fire Department, and GTA

(Tuesday, August 11, 2026; Dededo, Guam) – Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), in partnership with community and healthcare partners, is helping transform emergency cardiac care on Guam through the implementation of Bluetooth-enabled pre-hospital electrocardiogram (EKG) technology that allows life-saving treatment to begin before a patient even arrives at the hospital.

As part of this initiative, GRMC donated Norav Bluetooth-enabled EKG machines, while GTA donated eight iPhone devices to support the wireless transmission of EKGs from the field. Together, these technologies enable emergency medical personnel to perform a 12-lead EKG in the ambulance and securely transmit the results directly to the receiving cardiac team, allowing physicians to evaluate patients and prepare for treatment while they are still enroute to the hospital.

For patients experiencing a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a severe type of heart attack caused by a completely blocked coronary artery, every minute is critical.

“Time is muscle,” said Dr. Maheswara “Mahesh” Golla, GRMC Director of Cardiology/Interventional Cardiologist. “The longer the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow, the greater the damage. By receiving the EKG before the patient arrives, we can identify a STEMI earlier, activate the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) team immediately, and prepare for treatment before the patient reaches our doors. Those saved minutes can make a life-changing difference.”

Previously, emergency teams often had to wait until a patient arrived at the hospital before an EKG could be reviewed and the Cath Lab team activated. Because on-call staff may require 15 to 30 minutes to travel to the hospital, valuable treatment time could be lost. With pre-hospital EKG transmission, physicians can review the EKG remotely, confirm the diagnosis, notify the Cath Lab team, prepare equipment, and have everything in place before the ambulance arrives.

By reducing delays in treatment, the technology helps improve door-to-device time, the nationally recognized benchmark measuring how quickly a blocked artery is opened after a heart attack is identified. Faster treatment means more heart muscle can be preserved, reducing complications and improving a patient’s chances of recovery.

“This initiative represents our continued commitment to investing in innovation that directly benefits the people of Guam,” said Jennifer Cruz, MSN, RN-BC, GRMC Chief Nursing and Ancillary Officer. “Working together with our community partners, we’re creating a faster, more coordinated emergency response system that gives patients access to advanced cardiac care when every second matters.”

“This partnership shows what is possible when technology is put to work for our community,” said Sharon Davis, Senior Vice President of Community and Business Sales at GTA. “By providing the devices and wireless connectivity needed to transmit EKG results from the field to receiving hospitals, GTA is helping first responders and medical teams share critical information sooner. We are proud to support GRMC, the Guam Fire Department, and our healthcare partners in strengthening emergency care across Guam.”

The initiative reflects the strength of collaboration across Guam’s healthcare community. By enhancing communication between first responders, emergency departments, cardiologists, and Cath Lab teams, patients can receive faster, more coordinated care regardless of where their emergency begins.

GRMC extends its sincere appreciation to GTA for its donation of eight iPhone devices, which make secure, real-time EKG transmission possible, and to all healthcare partners working together to strengthen emergency cardiac care throughout Guam.

The implementation of Bluetooth-enabled pre-hospital EKG technology is another example of GRMC’s commitment to bringing advanced cardiovascular innovation to the island. Through continued investment in technology, clinical excellence, and strategic partnerships, GRMC remains dedicated to improving access to timely, high-quality care and helping save more lives across Guam.

For more information, visit https://www.grmc.gu

For more information, please contact: Krystal ‘Krys’ Ramos

Marketing Communications & Analytics Specialist

Email: krystalmae.ramos@grmc.gu