Foxwall EMS recognized with Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award

New cardiac monitors and increased training standards have coupled to earn Foxwall EMS top accolades from the American Heart Association.

The Fox Chapel-based emergency service was awarded the Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award, which recognizes programs for efforts in treating people who suffer heart attacks.

Deputy Chief Tony Cuda said the award validates the group’s commitment to preparation. He said these cases are often the most critical and complicated ones his crew responds to.

“It’s about providing the highest quality, evidence-based pre-hospital care for cardiac and stroke patients,” he said. “It’s about the impact we make on members of the community who are most at risk.”

Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS was also chosen for the Gold Plus Award, its third consecutive year for the highest-level honor.

Founded in 1978, Foxwall is a volunteer Advanced Life Support ambulance service housed along Squaw Run Road. It provides coverage for Fox Chapel and Aspinwall, along with mutual aid to surrounding communities.

Chief Josh Worth said in just three years, new clinical measures and upgraded equipment paved the way for Foxwall “to go from not being recognized at all to achieving Gold Plus recognition.”

“But in the end, the providers are why we accomplished this,” he said. “I believe we have some of the best providers in the region and this award confirms my feelings.”

According to the American Heart Association, more than 250,000 people a year experience the deadliest type of heart attack caused by blocked blood flow.

EMTs and paramedics are often first on the scene and have the ability to save “precious minutes of treatment time” by activating an emergency response system, said Tim Henry, chairman of the Mission: Lifeline acute coronary syndrome subcommittee.

Henry applauded Foxwall for taking steps that follow guidelines for improved treatment.