Johnston County EMS Receives Gold Plus Award

The Emergency Medical Services Division of Johnston County Emergency Services has received the 2017 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.

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the survival of heart attack victims. EMS paramedics can now perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. These tools, training, and practices allow Johnston County EMS to quickly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the emergency department, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.

“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said James Jollis, M.D., Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group. “We applaud Johnston County EMS for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.”

“Johnston County EMS is dedicated to making our service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program is recognizing us for improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients,” said Josh Holloman, EMS Division Chief.  “We are pleased for our 911 dispatchers, fire department responders, EMTs and paramedics to be recognized for their dedication and achievements in excellent care for all cardiac patients.”