NURSES' ROLE IN CARDIAC EMERGENCIES AND URGENCIES AT SAMU: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Urgency is defined as an unexpected event that worsens health conditions, potentially or not posing a life risk. Cardiac emergencies involve critical conditions that require immediate interventions to prevent severe complications or death. Pre-hospital care, provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU), is essential in this context, making it crucial for professionals to be properly trained to perform rapid and effective interventions. Objective: To analyze the role of nurses in cardiac urgencies and emergencies at SAMU. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review. The research question guiding this study was: How do nurses act in cardiac urgencies and emergencies at SAMU? The bibliographic search was conducted through the VHL (Virtual Health Library) using the databases LILACS, SCIELO, and BDENF. The search terms (DeCS) used were: “SAMU,” “Nursing Care,” and “Cardiovascular Nursing,” combined with the boolean operator AND. Inclusion criteria included full-text availability in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, publication within the last five years, and online access. Theses, monographs, and studies that did not meet the proposed objectives were excluded. After identifying and selecting studies, the abstracts of the included articles were analyzed and read. The data were then organized into tables and discussed. Results: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality in Brazil, requiring effective strategies, especially given the high incidence of sudden death. Strengthening Health Care Networks and continuously qualifying nursing professionals are essential to ensure prompt and effective care. The integration of nursing into pre-hospital care has brought significant advances, expanding its role in emergency assistance. Beyond direct patient care, nurses play a crucial role in education, protocol updates, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Developing these competencies is essential for quality care, reducing cardiovascular mortality, and promoting a more humanized and effective approach. Conclusion: Nursing in pre-hospital care has enhanced the emergency approach, making it more efficient. Continuous training and service improvement are essential for safe and humanized care, ultimately reducing cardiovascular mortality.