With recent American Heart Association (AHA) awards, Baptist finds itself colored in silver and gold, specifically for patients experiencing a STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction). Baptist North Mississippi, Baptist Golden Triangle and Baptist DeSoto all received awards, either for their ambulance services or on the hospital receiving side.
Every year, more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI — the most deadly 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.
Baptist North Mississippi
The ambulance service at Baptist North Mississippi recently received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience STEMIs. Emergency medical services (EMS) that receive the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for three required achievement measures for two years and treated at least eight STEMI patients for each year. EMS providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies provide access to 12-lead EKG machines (devices that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat and can help medical personnel determine if a heart attack has occurred), and follow protocols derived from AHA/American College of Cardiology guidelines. The correct tools and training allow EMS providers to rapidly identify the STEMI, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel.
Baptist Golden Triangle
Baptist Golden Triangle received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Receiving Center Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the AHA for the treatment of patients who suffer STEMIs.
The AHA’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 911 call and continuing through hospital treatment. Baptist Golden Triangle is recognized for having an 85 percent composite adherence and at least 24 consecutive months of 75 percent or higher compliance on all Mission: Lifeline STEMI Receiving Center quality measures to improve the quality of care for STEMI patients.
Like Baptist North Mississippi, Baptist Golden Triangle’s ambulance service also won the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Award.
Baptist DeSoto
Baptist DeSoto received the 2016 Mission: Lifeline® Receiving Center Silver Recognition Award for adhering to all STEMI Receiving Center Performance Achievement indicators at least 85 percent of the time for 12 consecutive months and complying with each performance measure at least 75 percent of the time.