MARIETTA GA., APRIL 29, 2015 — Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award recognizing their strong commitment to improving the quality of care for cardiac patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
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.
The Mission: Lifeline® 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. MetroAtlanta Ambulance uses state of the art 12-lead ECG monitors while onscene of an event to help determine if a heart attack has occurred. With the correct tools and training, EMS providers are able to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the medical center, and have a team of cardiac specialist awaiting to receive the patient upon arrival at the hospital.
Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline® Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent or higher compliance for each required achievement measure over a 24 month period.
“EMT's 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 Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service for achieving this level of recognition which shows they meet evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”
MetroAtlanta Ambulance President and CEO Pete Quinones stated, “We are dedicated to making our service among the best in the country and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving overall systems of care for STEMI patients. Our ability to create a pathway with our local hospitals and move patients from the ambulance and straight into the catheterization lab is saving lives. We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association and Mission: Lifeline® for our achievements in emergency medical care for STEMI patients. It is a testament to the quality of care being provided by our emergency medical professionals.”