This is EMS Week, and what better way to honor our emergency medical personnel than to highlight an award received from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Pitt County EMS has received the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.
"EMS is an integral part of the healthcare system, especially in our community with the partnership between Vidant Health and the Pitt County EMS System. Being recognized with the Silver Award from the AHA Mission: Lifeline program is quite an honor and achievement for our EMS services. It shows the commitment to excellence and dedication to the delivery of cardiac care across the entire Pitt County EMS system. We look forward to continuing to improve cardiac care and patient outcomes in our community and striving for the best possible care we can give to the citizens of our county," said EMS Coordinator Jim McArthur.
Each year, more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI, or ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack caused by a complete 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 surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication.
Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive this prompt treatment. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate STEMI patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline's EMS recognition program recognizes emergency responders for their efforts in improving STEMI systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.