Las Vegas, NV – Every year more than 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack, and when a heart attack happens time is critical. It’s part of the reason the American Heart Association created the 90 minute ‘door to balloon’ guidelines, which suggests a patient’s artery needs to opened with 90 minutes for the best chance of survival. The quicker a patient can be seen at a hospital, the better chance they have to live.
A huge part of any hospital hitting that 90 minute door to balloon guideline is the first responders transporting those patients.
“We know the quick actions of our EMS partners quite literally saves live,” Director of Emergency Services at Southern Hills Hospital, Kathy Millhiser said. “These first responders are nothing short of heroes.”
To honor the first responders who hit the 90 minute door to balloon time, Southern Hills Hospital held a ceremony at AMR.
“With the help of our EMS teams like you, we are saving lives throughout our community,” said Alexis Mussi, Chief Executive Officer at Southern Hills Hospital. “Because of your selflessness in caring for these patients, we are making an impact one person at a time. We couldn’t do it without you.”
John Burdette, who has been with AMR for just four months, was one of the first responders from AMR honored. On February 26th he cared for a 48 year old male who survived. Burdette’s door to balloon time was 32 minutes, which was the best time the whole quarter.
“From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank you. We can’t say how much we appreciate you,” said Robbie Burton, Director of Cardiovascular services for Southern Hills Hospital.
Other first responders recognized were: Ania VonMaydell, Brandon Muhlestein and Britney Stanley.
“We wish to pass along a sincere thank you for hosting such a fine event earlier today. By recognizing our team in such a prolific manner is a testament to your appreciation and respect for clinical excellence,” said Phillip Robbins, Account executive for AMR and Medicwest.
The 90 minutes is broken down into 30 minute increments:
- 30 minutes from the time symptoms start to the time the patient has engaged medical care, a diagnosis of STEMI has been made and the cardiac cath team is alerted
- 30 minutes from cardiology team mobilization to patient arrival in the cardiac cath lab
- 30 minutes from the state of the procedure to opening of the blocked artery
More information on Door to Balloon time can be found on the American Heart Association website.