Shreveport Fire Department Honored for Excellence in Heart Attack Response
In a heartwarming story of community service and dedication, the city of Shreveport, Louisiana is celebrating a major achievement. The Shreveport Fire Department has been awarded the Mission-Lifeline Silver status award for its outstanding responses to heart attack emergencies throughout the year 2024. This recognition comes from the American Heart Association and puts the spotlight on emergency medical services (EMS) that excel in meeting and exceeding national standards.
What Does the Silver Status Mean?
So, you might be wondering, what does it take to earn such an accolade? Well, to be eligible for the Silver status award, EMS agencies must meet specific criteria related to the recognition of heart attacks and the rapid treatment and transport of patients. One of the key benchmarks they need to hit is the “EMS to Balloon” time, which is the time taken from the moment an EMS unit first contacts a patient to when they receive PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) in a hospital. For the Shreveport Fire Department, this vital time must not exceed 90 minutes in order to ensure the best chance of survival and lower mortality rates.
Shreveport Fire’s Stellar Performance
With this latest award, the Shreveport Fire Department showcased its commitment to excellence, demonstrating that it met this crucial goal over 75% of the time. Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr. expressed immense pride in the men and women of the department. “Responding to more than 48,200 emergency calls for service a year, this national recognition proves what our citizens are already aware of,” he said. “When they are in the city of Shreveport and they dial 911, they will receive the compassion and high level of service they can expect from their fire department.”
Future Aspirations
What’s even more exciting is that with the Silver Status award, the Shreveport Fire Department is now in the running for the prestigious Gold Status award for the upcoming year. This goal not only boosts morale among the team but also gives the community further assurance of the quality of care they can rely on in times of emergencies.
Community Connection
It’s not just about numbers and awards for Fire Chief Reese. He emphasizes the vital role the department plays in the community. “Every time they answer the call, they demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and I am proud to lead a team that shows dedication day in and day out,” he said. The residents of Shreveport now have tangible proof of what they’ve already believed: when it comes to emergencies, especially heart attacks, their local fire department stands ready to respond with skill and compassion.
A Team Like No Other
The Shreveport Fire Department‘s team is made up of trained professionals who not only care for the physical emergencies of their community but also have a deep vested interest in the welfare of the residents they serve. Their countless hours spent training and preparing for various emergency scenarios are reflected in awards like this one.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the City of Shreveport can take pride in knowing they have a robust and responsive EMS system in place, especially in the face of heart attacks. With the Mission-Lifeline Silver status award shining brightly as a testament to their hard work, the Shreveport Fire Department is poised for a future that’s not just about saving lives but enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the community.
