Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services receives Gold status for 10th straight year

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. ( WKRG ) — The Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety Emergency Medical Services Division received the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold achievement by the American Heart Association for the 10th consecutive year.

According to a news release from the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, the division was awarded Gold status for excellence in delivering rapid care for heart attack and stroke victims.

“This achievement reaffirms the County’s commitment to delivering quality, timely care for stroke and heart attack patients,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon said. “I am proud of our EMS professionals who continue to perform every day at the highest level, selflessly delivering care to those in need. We are honored to receive this recognition from the American Heart Association for the dedication of these individuals.”

EMS staff begins medical treatment when they arrive on the scene, which can be an hour faster than someone traveling to a hospital by car.

“EMS staff are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped,” the release said. “People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital.”

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