Venice Fire Rescue has been awarded the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold achievement award for its commitment to providing rapid, evidence-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.

Heart attacks and strokes are serious, time-sensitive medical emergencies. Knowing the warning signs and understanding that symptoms may present differently in women and men, can help save a life. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately, emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive and are trained to provide resuscitation efforts for someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital, up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car.

“This recognition speaks to the dedication, training and teamwork of our paramedics and EMTs. In heart attack and stroke emergencies, seconds truly matter,” said Venice Fire Rescue Assistant Chief of EMS Steven Lambright said. “Earning Mission: Lifeline Gold demonstrates that our crews are delivering lifesaving care at the highest level and improving outcomes for the community we serve.”

The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on an agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers. Mission: Lifeline EMS^® is the American Heart Association's national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment — starting from when 911 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients takes coordination between the individual prehospital providers and health care systems.

 To learn more about the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke, visit www.heart.org/.