County Receives National Recognition for Its Commitment to Quality Care for Heart Attack Patients

For the eighth consecutive year, Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) was recognized with the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award with Target Heart Attack Honor Roll for its continued commitment to providing exceptional, lifesaving cardiac care and treatment to patients experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks.

“This national award is a testament to the Leon County EMS team’s unparalleled commitment to providing rapid, lifesaving cardiac care to our community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “Their dedication ensures the best possible outcomes for our residents in critical moments so they can return home to their loved ones.”

LCEMS received the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award for offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart and requiring timely treatment to survive. This prestigious award recognizes LCEMS training and treatment protocols that help rapidly identify and treat patients experiencing STEMI. Also, for the third consecutive year, LCEMS received the Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll designation, a time-critical award given to agencies that provide patient transport to STEMI-receiving and STEMI-referring centers.

“For more than two decades, Leon County EMS has continued to meet and exceed national standards in pre-hospital emergency medicine,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Leon County’s commitment to the latest advances in heart attack patient care ensures our community receives the critical, lifesaving intervention when it matters most.”

Launched on December 31, 2003, Leon County EMS has proudly provided clinically superior, cost-effective emergency medical services and transport to the citizens and visitors of Leon County for more than 20 years. With a team of highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, LCEMS continues to deliver prompt and compassionate care to those in need. Since its founding, LCEMS has responded to more than 815,000 calls for service and transported more than 529,800 patients.

“This national award for heart attack care highlights the exceptional skills and dedication of the entire Leon County EMS team,” said Leon County EMS Chief Chad Abrams. “I am incredibly proud of every member for delivering compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community.”

For more information, contact Chief Chad Abrams, Leon County Emergency Medical Services, at (850) 606-2100 / AbramsC@LeonCountyFL.gov or Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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