KILLEEN, Texas (June 24, 2022) – The City of Killeen Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Achievement Award for the sixth consecutive year. This is awarded for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer heart attacks.
Each 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 is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks – starting from when 9-1-1 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination between the individual hospital, EMS and healthcare system.
“Killeen’s EMS is pleased and honored to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients with the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold Plus Award,” said James Schambers, Deputy Chief of EMS Operations for the Killeen Fire Department. “EMS is the first medical point of contact for our citizens and can implement life-saving medical interventions early in a cardiac event. The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
Program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care for cardiac patients.