Frisbie Memorial Hospital announced that the American Heart Association is recognizing its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for its commitment to quality care and its efforts to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients. In May, Frisbie EMS received the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline(R) EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart. This will be the fourth consecutive year in which Frisbie EMS has been recognized by the American Heart Association through its quality achievement award program.

Mission: Lifeline's EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their ongoing 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. 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.

"Frisbie Memorial Hospital's EMS is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients. We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care efforts through the Mission: Lifeline initiative," said Gary Brock, Director of EMS and Emergency Preparedness at Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

For over 40 years, Frisbie Memorial Hospital EMS has played a vital part in implementing processes for improving systems of care for cardiac patients, helping to reduce preventable hospitalizations, and providing life-saving treatments.