Heart Association commends HEMSI
HEMSI Board of Directors members are Melissa Musgrove, from left, Dr. Steven Werdehoff, John T. Brown Jr., Stan Chapman, Bob Wagner, Dr. John Wisda and David Blair. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services Inc.) has received a national award from the American Heart Association (AHA).
The 2016 Silver EMS Mission Lifeline Award recognizes HEMSI for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.
In a recent press conference, HEMSI CEO Jon Howell and the Board of Directors recognized representatives from Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center and cardiac specialists for their collaborative role in supporting EMS cardiac care efforts.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 250,000 people each year experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack. A blockage of blood flow to the heart causes STEMI and requires timely treatment.
To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by opening the blocked vessel mechanically or by providing clot-busting medication, AHA sources stated.
The heart association’s Mission: Lifeline is a coordinated, proactive system of care that turns first responders, hospitals and other healthcare providers into a team that uses proven guidelines and best practices to treat patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome.
The Mission Lifeline program rewards EMS organizations that follow advanced protocols derived from guidelines from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology. The cutting-edge 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.
The award demonstrates HEMSI’s commitment to provide the very highest standards of care for the citizens of Madison County and surrounding areas, AHA stated.
HEMSI Board of Directors, along with the group that appointed them, are President Stan Chapman, Madison County Commission; Vice President Melissa Musgrove, Mayor of Huntsville; Secretary Dr. Steven Werdehoff, Huntsville Hospital; Treasurer David Blair, Huntsville City Council; John T. Brown Jr., Mayor of Huntsville; Bob Wagner, Madison City Council; and Dr. John Wisda, Crestwood Medical Center.
The HEMSI Operations Center’s address is 1057 Oakwood Ave. in Huntsville. To contact HEMSI’s 24-hour transport, call 256-722-7158. For more information, visit hemsi.org.
