NHRMC Recognized for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

NHRMC Recognized for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

by 06/28/2019

 

Wilmington, NC – New Hanover Regional Medical Center EMS and AirLink/VitaLink Critical Care Transport have received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people in the United States experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. It is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

Prehospital personnel are the first providers of care to patients suffering from cardiac emergencies. The role of EMS is crucial and often sets the course for the patient’s outcome.

“This is a testament to the incredible dedication of our nurses, paramedics and advanced EMTs. They constantly strive to improve the level of care provided to our patients,” said Rick O’Donnell, director of NHRMC Emergency Medical Services.

Mission: Lifeline recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

“New Hanover Regional Medical Center is dedicated to working collaboratively to provide optimal care for heart attack patients across our region,” said John Popella, director of Critical Care Transport. “We are pleased that NHRMC has been recognized annually since the inception of Mission: Lifeline.”

 

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