ST. GEORGE — Gold Cross Ambulance 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.
Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction – the most deadly type of heart attack – caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment to prevent death. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.
According to a press release from the American Heart Association, Gold Cross Ambulance paramedics perform 12-lead ECGs, which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines.
These correct tools, training, and practices allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for one year.
“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Dr. James Jollis, chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. “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 Gold Cross Ambulance for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”
Brooke Burton, Gold Cross Ambulance quality director, said they are pleased to be recognized for their dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients. She went on to acknowledge how the recognition was earned by their paramedics in partnership with first responders from St. George and Washington City fire departments, as well as Dixie Regional Medical Center.
“Gold Cross is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country,” Burton said, “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.”
Gold Cross Ambulance has been a leader in Emergency Medical Services in Utah for over four decades, the press release states. Gold Cross Ambulance specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and nonemergency transportation services. Gold Cross works closely with local, state and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
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 acute coronary syndrome 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 the American Heart Association website.
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Good job ladies and gentlemen.