EMS Partner in Care
Recognition for Excellence
The ACC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Partner in Care program recognizes EMS agencies that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care, clinical excellence and seamless coordination with hospitals and health systems.
Eligibility
- EMS agency must collaborate with a Chest Pain Center accredited or certified facility.
- Partnering hospital can demonstrate EMS partnership by submitting supporting documentation of this collaboration to meet the "Pre-Hospital Care" Essential Components.
Benefits
Anna Ek, BSN, RN, AACC
Accreditation Review Specialist
A: Long ago, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were considered a ride to the hospital, but no longer. EMS’ level of expertise in the Pre-hospital setting should be recognized a great value to patient care, outcomes, preparation of the patients for the Emergency Department (ED) and Cath Lab. There is a decreased time to treatment for heart attacks when the patient, family or friends activate EMS. They can obtain, transmit and interpret the 12-lead ECG prior to leaving the home. EMS activates the Cath Lab team and Interventional Cardiologist prior to arrival, so they may return to the hospital, if after hours and prepare for the patient’s arrival for the Percutaneous Cardiac Intervention (PCI) procedure. EMS protocols lessen time in the ED, when appropriate, bypassing the ED altogether for the Cath Lab. Decreased time to reperfusion means better outcomes, decreased length of stay, fewer readmissions, and increased patient satisfaction scores. This has a halo effect in bringing patients back to hospitals for other services.
Given the opportunity to meet with many EMS providers all over the country, we have witnessed their willingness to go the extra mile if it means what is best for the patient. EMS participate in community education, screenings, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training events. The education of the community increases EMS appropriate activations, earlier treatment and better outcomes for the community they serve. When embraced as the start of the patient care continuum, community health improves and by inviting EMS to participate in hospital meetings, providing EMS with guideline recommendations, the entire care continuum improves. Celebrations of successful resuscitations educate the public and recognize the role of EMS. Patients treated earlier in their events and disease process have decreased heart failure and arrhythmias. Bystander CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes. EMS technology, training and treatment protocols are impressive and need to be recognized outside of the EMS world. It is time they get the respect from other health care entities, and we are proud to recognize them.
Rebecca (Beckie) Vickers, BSN, RN
Accreditation Review Specialist
A. Undoubtedly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies are instrumental in pre-hospital patient care and treatment impacting patient outcomes. As a Chest Pain Coordinator prior to joining the ACC, I had the privilege of working closely with our local EMS. Their desire to provide the best patient care was evident through various activities such as involvement within the community, professional development and review of protocols and processes specifically surrounding cardiac patients.
Recognizing the important role EMS agencies play not only in the community but within health care systems is undeniable. The ACC's EMS Partner in Care is a significant way hospitals can promote the commitment and dedication of their primary EMS system. Through this recognition, EMS agency receives a unique Chest Pain Center Partner in Care seal that corresponds to the hospital's Chest Pain Center Accreditation or Certification seal. The facility and EMS will be given graphics to highlight their participation.
The opportunity to showcase to the community the valuable collaboration between the hospital and EMS agency communicates that together they are delivering best practice in patient care. Personally, it would be reassuring to see an EMS vehicle drive down the street with an ACC Chest Pain Center Partner in Care seal on the side of the vehicle, knowing they are dedicated to providing the best care to all members in our community.
How It Works
- The partnering hospital collaborates with the EMS agency to prepare the application.
- The EMS agency submits the application.
- ACC Accreditation Services validates supporting documentation provided.
- ACC Accreditation Services notifies the facility and EMS agency of the approved recognition.
- EMS agency must complete and sign agreement for approved use of EMS Partners in Care seals.
- Please note: This agreement does not impose any restrictions. It allows organizations to brand and display the EMS Partner in Care seal and identify their affiliation with ACC. There are no limitations on partnerships or collaborations outside of ACC, and participation does not change existing partner selection practices.
What You Receive With Recognition
Earning EMS Partner in Care recognition demonstrates a shared commitment between EMS agencies and accredited facilities to deliver high-quality, coordinated cardiovascular care, beginning at first medical contact. Once awarded, the facility and EMS agency will be given:
- Unique EMS Partner in Care seal that corresponds with the facility's Chest Pain Center Accreditation or Certification seal.
- Graphics to highlight participation.
Take The Next Step
Join a growing community of EMS agencies committed to advancing cardiovascular care nationwide.