Northwest EMS receives American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Recognition Award

May 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Northwest EMS has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. This is the organization’s second consecutive Mission: Lifeline^® EMS Award, upgrading from their Bronze designation last year.

     Every year, more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI, or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.

     Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive this prompt treatment. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate STEMI patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency responders for their efforts in improving STEMI systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

    Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies provide access to 12-lead ECG machines (devices that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat and can help medical personnel determine if a heart attack has occurred), and follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. The correct tools and training allow EMS providers to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

     Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Silver award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for the entire year, and treat at least eight STEMI patients for the year.

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals.  We applaud Northwest EMS for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

         “Northwest EMS is dedicated to improving quality of life in our community through coordinated clinical care, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving STEMI systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all STEMI patients,” said Assistant Chief Ed DeLany, who oversees the department’s clinical practice. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for STEMI patients.”

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About Northwest EMS:

Northwest EMS is a non-profit organization providing Emergency Medical Services within the City of Tomball and surrounding areas. Northwest EMS envisions communities where quality of life is enhanced by integrated systems of healthcare and emergency response. Our mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of injury, illness, and catastrophic events in our communities through superior coordinated clinical care, prevention programs, and education.

About Mission: Lifeline

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline^® program helps hospitals and emergency

medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for STEMI patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology clinical treatment guidelines.  For more information, visit heart.org/missionlifeline (http://www.heart.org/missionlifeline) and heart.org/quality (http://www.heart.org/quality).