American Heart Association has awarded Acadian Ambulance’s Mississippi operations with the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Bronze award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. AHA recognizes the vital importance Emergency Medical System providers have on the overall success of Mission: Lifeline STEMI Systems of Care. STEMI is a deadly type of heart attack that is caused by a prolonged blockage of blood supply in the heart.
Every year, nearly 250,000 people experience STEMI heart attacks. The correct tools and training allow EMS providers to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the destination Center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
These types of heart attacks carry a substantial risk of death and disability and require a quick response from all members of the medical team, from first responders in the community to cardiologists in the hospital.
“We’ve been proudly serving Jackson County since 2000, and are excited that our Acadian medics are driving improvements in the care and outcomes of STEMI patients,“ said Acadian Operations Manager Damon Wilson. “Acadian delivers education in STEMI identification and also provides access to 12 lead ECG machines and develops protocols derived from the American College of Cardiology /AHA STEMI Guidelines.”
“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “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 Acadian Ambulance for achieving these awards, showing that they meet evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”
“Acadian is dedicated to making our medical team 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 STEMI systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all STEMI patients,” said Acadian Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chuck Burnell. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for STEMI patients in Jackson County, Mississippi.”
Mission: Lifeline Bronze award recipients have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for three months, and treated at least four STEMI patients for the year.
Since 1971, Acadian has been committed to providing the highest level of emergency medical care and transportation possible. In the past decade the company has expanded to include a diverse suite of services designed to offer the very best support and education in health, safety, and transportation. Acadian’s six divisions are Acadian Ambulance Service, Acadian Monitoring Services, Air Med, Executive Aircraft Charter Service, National EMS Academy and Safety Management Systems.
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