DEARBORN – The Fire Department was awarded May 11 with the Silver “Mission: Lifeline” Emergency Medical Services Award and recognized for its extensive training and effective response to emergency.
Administered by the American Heart Association, the award recognizes EMS workers who fulfill their duties of providing timely treatment for heart attack patients.
The designation also highlights the Fire Department as an EMS agency committed to specific quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks known as STEMI (ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction).
“I am so proud of the men and women of the Dearborn Fire Department, who on a daily basis recognize STEMI patients in the field and properly report, treat and expedite care to the cardiac units,” Fire Chief Joseph Murray said.
Almost 300,000 people suffer a STEMI each year. They are caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart and require urgent treatment to prevent death.
The Fire Department received the award for exceeding standards for its personnel’s education in STEMI identification, compliance with best-practice STEMI protocols and ability to rapidly identify a STEMI in the field.
In addition, the department was commended for its quick coordination with area hospitals in order to take patients directly to Cardiac Catheterization Labs, greatly reducing the time a patient’s heart is exposed to restricted blood flow.
Murray also commended EMS Chief Glen Owens and Assistant Chief Don Begeman for their efforts in the development of the program and the quality control measures they continue to monitor.