The Westlake Fire Department has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks, such as a ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most deadly type. The program allows EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
Too often those who experience this type of heart attack do not get the proper treatment that could save their lives. This award was given because the Westlake Fire Department has demonstrated that its members have consistently (75% or more) used these techniques and protocols over a two-year period.
“The Westlake Fire Department is 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 systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients,” said Chief Hughes. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients.”