Okaloosa EMS earns Gold for rapid heart attack, stroke care

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla.—Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been recognized for excellence in delivering rapid care for heart attack and stroke victims.

Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety – EMS Division recently received the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold achievement by the America Heart Association. This is the 10th consecutive year Okaloosa County has achieved gold status.

“This achievement reaffirms the county’s commitment to delivering quality, timely care for stroke and heart attack patients,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon.

“I am proud of our EMS professionals who continue to perform every day at the highest level, selflessly delivering care to those in need. We are honored to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association for the dedication of these individuals.”

According to the county, EMS staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital.

Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes.

The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment, starting when 911 is called, through EMS transport, and hospital treatment and discharge.

Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients requires coordination between the individual prehospital providers and healthcare systems.

For more information, visit heart.org