SGMC Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Achievement Award, recognizing excellence in the rapid, evidence-based treatment of patients experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes.

The Mission: Lifeline® EMS Recognition program honors emergency medical services that demonstrate a sustained commitment to nationally accepted, evidence-based guidelines for heart and stroke care. Achieving the Silver level reflects consistent annual compliance with rigorous AHA performance measures focused on speed, coordination, and clinical excellence to improve patient outcomes.

“Our EMS professionals are in our communities saving lives every day, and this award recognizes their delivery of high-quality, rapid, and effective treatment of our most critical heart attack and stroke patients,” said Randy Smith, SGMC Health Vice President of Operations.

Mission: Lifeline® emphasizes a fully integrated system of care—from the initial 9-1-1 call and on-scene EMS treatment to seamless coordination with hospital-based emergency and cardiac services. EMS agencies receiving this recognition are acknowledged for their ability to quickly identify cardiac and stroke emergencies, initiate appropriate care, and reduce treatment delays through close collaboration with receiving hospitals.

This achievement further strengthens SGMC Health’s role as the region’s only Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center (ECCC), a designation reserved for hospitals capable of providing the highest level of cardiac care, including 24/7 access to advanced cardiac interventions and coordinated specialty services. As a Level I ECCC and Level III Trauma Center, SGMC Health relies on strong partnerships with EMS to deliver optimal outcomes for patients facing the most time-sensitive medical emergencies.

“This recognition is a testament to the professionalism, training, and dedication of our EMS teams,” said Emily Brown, EMS Director and Chief. “Their commitment to excellence not only saves lives in the field, but also enhances our ability to provide coordinated, high-quality care for the communities we serve.”

For more information, visit sgmc.org.