Leon County Recognized by American Heart Association
Emergency Medical Services exceeds national treatment measures
This month, Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Award for meeting and exceeding rigorous national treatment measures for patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.
The award specifically recognizes high performing Emergency Medical Services programs throughout the nation who improve patient outcomes through public education, early identification of heart attacks, early access to 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, and other advanced medical protocols.
“When your life is on the line and seconds matter, you want the best emergency medical care Leon County has to offer,” said Leon County Commission Chairman John E. Dailey. “And this award from the American Heart Association recognizes a team of paramedics who are among the best in the nation.”
Leon County paramedics are equipped and trained to rapidly identify a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), the deadliest type of heart attack, promptly notify the receiving facility and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel. Such training has led to a sudden cardiac survival rate in Leon County of more than 33 percent, which exceeds the national average of 7 percent.
“Our County paramedics have made it a habit to exceed national benchmarks and goals,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This award highlights our cutting edge technology, life-saving medical protocols, and our public CPR trainings. Exceptional public service is at the heart of what we do in Leon County.”
Leon County provides the community with free resources and education on heart health. Free events like Press The Chest, a CPR training event, demonstrates the County’s commitment to community awareness and health. The seventh annual Press the Chest will be held this Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. and you can register at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/PresstheChest .
(More)For more information, contact EMS Major Sally Davis, Leon County Emergency Medical Services, at (850) 606-2100 / DavisSal@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association (AHA) is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. The AHA teams with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
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