One of the main objectives of any health-care strategy for ischemic heart disease is to provide emergency treatment for acute myocardial infarction and especially for ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STEACS), where any delay in treatment is crucial. The speed with which treatment (whether mechanical or pharmacologic) can be implemented will be reflected in morbidity and mortality rates. In 2003, in response to scientific evidence that mechanical revascularization (i.e. primary percutaneous coronary intervention) is essential for ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction, this therapeutic technique was introduced at the referral hospital in our region (in a primary percutaneous coronary intervention program). In March 2008, after several meetings between various stakeholders and institutions, a regional trial of treatment for STEACS (i.e. the Balearic Islands myocardial infarction code trial) started. It involved: a) the identification and reporting of all patients diagnosed with STEACS in the region; b) a systematic analysis of the results of treatment for STEACS in comparison with treatment goals (e.g. treatment times, morbidity, mortality, complications and treatment provided); c) identifying and responding to any deviations from targets; d) thorough understanding of and involvement in the project by all parts of the health-care system, and e) follow-up 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after hospital discharge following the STEACS episode.