Twin Lakes EMS Chief Tom Smith receives the award from Wisconsin AHA Director of Quality Lynn Serdynski (Submitted).
American Heart Association honors department
The Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad earned an American Heart Association award that only 16 other agencies in Wisconsin received at a recent ceremony.
The honor, Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Award, is given to departments who demonstrate efforts in tackling a potentially deadly heart attack, according to a news release.
Myocardial infarction, the most serious heart attack that affects more than 250,000 people annually, is caused by constricted blood flow to the heart due to clogged vessels.
Consequently, immediate action is needed to restore blood flows either by breaking down blood clots or mechanically opening blocked vessels.
EMS officials are the first to respond, providing crucial tools in lifesaving measures, according to Dr. James Jollis, Chairperson of the Lifeline Advisory Group.
“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” Jollis said in the press release. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of lifesaving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals.”
Activating the emergency response system includes electronic measuring of the heart, an in turn, determining whether it is a heart attack.
Following identification, responders need to promptly notify the medical center, triggering a response from the receiving emergency room.
Achieving a minimum 75 percent compliance rate on all procedures qualifies agencies for the award.
“We applaud Twin Lakes Fire for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attack,” Jollis stated in the release.
Twin Lakes EMS Chief Tom Smith stated the award is a testament to his department’s commitment to excellence.
“Twin Lakes Fire Department is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country,” Smith said in the release. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients.”