For the second consecutive year, the Mehlville Fire Protection District has been recognized for care provided to victims of heart attack and stroke.

The district received the recognition from the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program. MFPD received gold level recognition, the highest level achievable. 

“This award recognizes the district for its commitment to offering rapid, evidence-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack and stroke, thus saving lives,” a press release stated.

Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive disease states, such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program is meant to reduce barriers to prompt treatment, with the first point of contact with medical services being MFPD paramedics in this case. Optimal care requires coordination between EMS and hospitals for the best outcomes.

The Mission: Lifeline achievement award is earned by agencies that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date research-based practices as outlined by the American Heart Association.

“Mehlville Fire Protection District is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients,” Chief Brian Hendricks said. “The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”