The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division of Johnston County Emergency Services has received the 2018 American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award for continued quality measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks. This makes the second consecutive year the EMS division has received the highest award of its type from the American Heart Association.
This award acknowledges the vital role of EMS to the survival of heart attack victims. EMS agencies perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. Extensive training and partnerships with fire department first responders and emergency dispatchers allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
“Johnston County Emergency Services is proud of this accomplishment as it shows we always place the patient first,” said Josh Holloman, Deputy Director of Emergency Services. “This is the result of hard work from our 911 dispatchers, fire department responders, EMTs and paramedics and achieves our mission to provide excellent care to the citizens of Johnston County.”
