Every\u00a0year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)\u00a0<\/strong>the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it\u2019s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, a significant number of STEMI patients don’t receive this prompt reperfusion therapy<\/a>, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline\u2019s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.<\/p>\n Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies 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.<\/p>\n Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for two years.\u00a0 The Plus designation is added for achieving at least 75 percent compliance of 12 lead ECGs performed on patients in the field with an initial complaint of non-traumatic chest pain \u2265 35 years (who were transported), within 10 minutes<\/span> of EMS (12 lead capable) arrival to the patient.<\/p>\n \u201cEMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,\u201d said James Jollis, M.D., Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. \u201cSince 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.\u00a0We applaud Allentown EMS for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients, said Allentown EMS Operations Manager Eric Gratz.\u00a0 \u201cAllentown EMS is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Allentown EMS was also honored with a Mission: Lifeline\u00ae<\/sup> EMS Gold Award in 2015 and a Silver Performance Achievement Award in 2014.<\/p>\n About Mission: Lifeline<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The American Heart Association\u2019s Mission: Lifeline\u00ae<\/sup> 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.\u00a0 For more information, visit heart.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nInformation Provided By:
\nMike Moore
\nCommunications Manager
\nMayor’s Office
\n435 Hamilton Street
\nAllentown, PA 18101
\nMike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/www.AllentownPA.gov<\/p>\n
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