Jason Bowman, EMS manager at Alton Memorial, accepts the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award during the Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation’s annual Duck Pluckers Ball on June 3. AMH President Dave Braasch listens at left.ALTON – Alton Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 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.

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.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Unfortunately, a significant number of STEMI patients don't receive this prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

Article continues after sponsor message

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. These correct tools, training, and practices allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

Agencies that receive the Mission: Lifeline Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for two years.

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said James Jollis, M.D., Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals. We applaud Alton Memorial for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

“Alton Memorial EMS is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients,” said Jason Bowman, EMS manager at AMH. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients.”

More like this:

Feb 28, 2024 - OSF Saint Anthony’s Awarded Primary Stroke Center Advanced Certification From The Joint Commission

Dec 14, 2023 - Durbin, Collins Applaud Senate Passage Of Siren Reauthorization Act

Mar 1, 2024 - Durbin Meets With Adult Congenital Heart Association

Feb 8, 2024 - Durbin, Young Introduce Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act

Nov 21, 2023 - Survival Flight Added As An EMS Provider For OSF Saint Anthony’s And OSF Medical Group