Reperfusion of the IRA can be achieved pharmacologically with intravenous thrombolytic agents, or mechanically with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In Canada, thrombolysis is the current standard of care in most hospitals, although there is mounting evidence that primary PCI is superior, and many Canadian centres are shifting towards this strategy. To offer primary PCI to community hospitals without on site cardiac catheterization facilities, regional programs need to be present that allow rapid transfer to invasive centers that offer this procedure round-the-clock.