Stratford EMS receives AHA Mission Lifeline Gold Plus Recognition Award
(LT-RT: Stratford Paramedics Molly Byron and Michael Battistelli)
STRATFORD, CT, May 19, 2020 — Stratford EMS (SEMS) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. The “Gold Plus” award is Mission Lifelines highest level of recognition for EMS.
Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.
The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
“I am continually amazed and inspired by the commitment and drive of my staff, many of whom are volunteers, to provide high quality patient care in Stratford. Stratford EMS is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Michael Loiz, Director of EMS/911. “We are pleased to continue to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care efforts through Mission: Lifeline.”
“Stratford EMS continues to raise the bar when it comes to emergency medical care. I cannot be more prouder of their continued march to excellence. The ability to apply the most effective emergency medical care helps create the best possible outcome for Stratford residents. Congratulations!” said Larry Ciccarelli, Public Safety Director, EMD
“Our amazing team at Stratford EMS are top-notch, and distinctions such as the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award demonstrate the commitment, professionalism and passion our EMS team has for patient care and saving lives,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick. “They are always on the cutting edge of improvements, and we congratulate Stratford EMS for the recognition they have received.”
EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks. Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can save precious minutes of treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals to an incoming heart attack patient. We applaud Stratford EMS for achieving this award in following evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.
Mission Lifeline EMS
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About Stratford EMS
The Stratford Emergency Medical Service is the basic and advanced life support ambulance / EMS provider for the Town of Stratford. Established in 1977, our mission is provide quality patient care and safe emergency transportation to the sick and injured. SEMS operates with both paid and volunteer members, EMR through Paramedic level care and offers a fleet of six ambulances and three paramedic intercept vehicles. For more information, visit www.stratfordems.org
About Mission: Lifeline
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 heart.org.
