For Immediate Release:
 April 23, 2009

Media Contact:
Cristina Armand
armand@miamidade.gov
 786-331-5200



MDFR's STEMI Program receives prestigious national award


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) was honored with the 2009 Heart Safe Community Award for the STEMI (ST- Elevation Myocardial Infarction "Heart Attack") Awareness Program by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. MDFR's STEMI program was chosen from among hundreds of similar initiatives offered by Emergency Medical Service providers throughout North America.

The award recognizes the implementation of a program to improve therapies for patients with acute coronary syndrome, its life-threatening complications and initiatives involving STEMI management. 

Since its inception in March 2007, the Miami-Dade STEMI Network has treated 1,265 patients experiencing life-threatening cardiac emergencies. Prior to the implementation of the STEMI Network, approximately 12 percent of patients suffering a blocked coronary artery would not survive. Today, Miami-Dade County possesses the lowest cardiac emergency mortality rate in the nation-- less than 1 percent. This achievement has not been replicated anywhere else in the continental United States.

"At MDFR we are committed to cardiac care excellence," said Fire Chief Herminio Lorenzo. "There are many patients and families in our community who will continue to live productive lives because of the STEMI Network."

Hospitals within the STEMI Network are required to restore blood flow to patient's blocked artery within 90 minutes from the arrival of paramedics at the patient's bedside. This timely intervention significantly reduces a patient's chance for permanent heart damage or death and increases the likelihood for recovery and a normal quality of life.

For more information, please contact MDFR's Media and Public Relations Bureau at 786-331-5200.
 

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