Reno County EMS, an entity of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, has been named recipient of the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award for 2020.

The award was granted to recognize Reno County EMS for implementing and maintaining quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who suffer heart attacks. Specifically, the award recognizes efforts to improve systems of care to rapidly identify suspected heart attack victims and promptly notify the Emergency Department of Hutch Regional in an effort to generate a speedy response once the patient arrives at the hospital.

Dave Johnston, Reno County EMS Chief, reaffirmed that the emergency organization is committed to providing the highest level of care by ensuring the EMS team is prepared to respond immediately when cardiac emergencies occur. “The coordinated efforts of first responders, EMS and specialized medical teams have improved the survivability of severe cardiac events in Reno County,” Johnston said. “I am very proud of the role Reno County EMS plays in the integrated healthcare team and their dedication to the community. The Gold Plus Award highlights our efforts to constantly improve the delivery of care.”

Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, commended Reno County EMS for achieving this national recognition. “This award comes as no surprise in that Reno County EMS is a repeat winner of this well-deserved honor for their excellence in providing the highest level of emergency care,” Johnson said. “The role of Reno County EMS in the system-of-care for these patients is crucial and often sets the course for a favorable outcome.”

The Lifeline recognition program was established in 2014 to recognize the achievements of emergency medical providers nationwide who collaborate with hospitals to achieve the best outcome possible.