Pocatello Fire Dept. and Bannock County Ambulance Earn Mission: Lifeline Recognition for Fourth Year

For a fourth time, the Pocatello Fire Department and Bannock County Ambulance have earned recognition for their cardiac care.

Recently, the department received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline ® EMS Gold Plus Award for its quality of care for heart attack patients. To be eligible for the distinction, departments must meet specific criteria related to heart attack care.

“The Pocatello Fire Department is dedicated to providing the best care possible for heart attack patients,” said Chief David Gates. “We are pleased to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication and achievements.”

Previously, the department attained silver and gold status through the program.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) every year, the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

The Mission: Lifeline initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. Mission: Lifeline’s EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving 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.

For more information on the Pocatello Fire Department, visit pocatello.us/fire.