Published: July 26, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (July 26, 2024) – Polk County Fire Rescue has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to patients experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment — starting from when 911 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between EMS first responders and healthcare systems.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on an agencies on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care provided by emergency medical service first responders.
“Achieving the prestigious American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Silver EMS award signifies Polk County Fire Rescue’s quality prehospital approach to stroke and heart-attack care to improve patient case and outcomes,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Medical Director Paul Banerjee, D.O. “This honor is a tribute to the Polk County Fire Rescue Office of Medical Direction team and to the dedicated team members that work tirelessly to implement the treatment accurately and efficiently in the field.”
“Polk County Fire Rescue is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association with the esteemed Mission: Lifeline EMS silver distinction,” said Fire Chief Hezedean A. Smith, D.M. “The Mission: Lifeline EMS silver distinction proves that we are honoring our commitment to providing the highest-quality pre-hospital patient care. This distinction would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.”