ST. GEORGE — Gold Cross Ambulance in St. George and Iron County 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.
According to a news release, every year, over 250,000 people experience a STEMI, or ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. It is the deadliest type of heart attack and is caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart.
To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow immediately, either by surgically opening the blocked vessel or by giving clot-busting medication. The goal of the program is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through hospital treatment, the news release said.
“We are dedicated to making our paramedic services 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,” said Mike Reynolds, vice president of operations for Gold Cross Services, in the news release. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients in St. George and throughout Iron County.”
The news release also said the following about Gold Cross’ emphasis on emergency cardiac care:
Gold Cross Ambulance paramedics 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.