GILLETTE, Wyo. — The American Heart Association recently recognized two Wyoming emergency medical services units for their above-average dedication to caring for heart attack patients, according to Campbell County Health.
According to an Aug. 5 announcement, Campbell County Health EMS and Wyoming Regional EMS were given the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS silver and bronze achievement awards, respectively. They were the only units in Wyoming to receive the distinction.
The awards are part of the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the care system for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The idea is to reduce barriers to prompt treatment from the moment emergency aid is called for transportation to discharge from hospital treatment, per CCH.
The achievement focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers, according to CCH.
Trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped, EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car, the healthcare organization said, adding that someone who arrives by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital.
Dr. Edward Jauch, research department chair at the University of North Carolina Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Center, says the most important link in the chains of survival for acute stroke and cardiovascular emergencies is EMS and prehospital professionals.
“The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS awards are an important way to recognize the crucial roles and performances of EMS personnel in stroke and cardiac patients’ care,” Jauch said in a statement.
Shane Kirsch, EMS manager, said CCH-EMS and WREMS are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for their dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients.
“The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, so patients have the best possible chance of survival,” Kirsch said in a statement.
