National Award Given To Harford Co. EMS Division

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The American Heart Association recently awarded the Harford County Department of Emergency Service's EMS Division with the Mission: Lifeline EMS Program silver award.

The EMS division received the award for its "commitment to providing rapid, research-based care to patients experiencing the most severe forms of heart attacks and strokes."

Harford County EMS clinicians are specially trained to assess heart attacks and strokes and provide critical, life-saving treatment before patients reach the hospital. Timely pre-hospital care during these medical emergencies can often mean the difference between life and death.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS initiative aims to reduce barriers to timely treatment for heart attack and stroke patients, beginning with the 9-1-1 call and continuing through EMS transport, hospital care, and discharge.

The award recognizes EMS agencies that consistently use key clinical measures to identify suspected strokes and heart attacks and promptly notify receiving hospitals, enabling medical teams to prepare for immediate, ongoing care before the patient arrives.

To earn the Silver Award, an EMS agency must achieve annual compliance rates exceeding 75 percent for each performance measure established by the Mission: Lifeline EMS program.

“This recognition reflects the outstanding work Harford County’s EMS personnel perform every day to serve our community and save lives,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “These men and women continue to set the standard for excellence through their professionalism, skill, and dedication.”