New Brunswick spending $2.5 million on ‘clot-busters’ for paramedics

The New Brunswick government is spending up to $2.5 million on thrombolytics. (Source: Government of New Brunswick)

The New Brunswick government is spending up to $2.5 million on medications paramedics can use to break down blood clots and restore blood flow to the heart.

Thrombolytics, also known as “clot-busters,” can minimize damage and in some cases stop a heart attack. Ambulance New Brunswick will start using these medications this summer, according to a new release from the provincial government.

“Equipping paramedics with these life-saving medications means people experiencing an emergency can start receiving treatment sooner, when every minute matters most,” said Premier Susan Holt in the release.

The $2.5 million will cover the initial purchase of the thrombolytics and an ongoing replenishment of them in this fiscal year. It also covers any necessary technological upgrades.

“Putting thrombolytics into the hands of New Brunswick paramedics allows the health-care system to have a greater impact on patient outcomes,” said Eric Grant, president of the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick, in the release. “This announcement recognizes what paramedics already know: when you put these types of solutions closer to the patient, the entire health-care system becomes stronger.”

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