The Tacoma Fire Department
(TFD) has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award,
their program’s highest level of recognition, for implementing operational and
quality improvement procedures that expedite treatment of patients who
experience severe heart attacks.
Every year, more than 250,000 people nationwide
experience a heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the
heart.
TFD was recognized for its
early and accurate interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), which
can determine if a heart attack is occurring, and for following EMS protocols
derived from national guidelines. The correct tools and training allow
firefighter-paramedics to alert the hospitals that an incoming patient will
need immediate treatment in a cardiac lab.
