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June 10, 2026
— Award highlights commitment to lifesaving prehospital care —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Fire Department has been awarded the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Level Recognition Award with Target: Stroke and Heart Honor Roll designation for its commitment to providing high-quality emergency cardiac and stroke care.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical service agencies that demonstrate excellence in the treatment of patients experiencing ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), a severe type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart.
Each year, more than 250,000 people experience a STEMI. Early recognition and treatment are critical to improving patient outcomes. Through advanced training, established treatment protocols and the use of 12-lead ECG machines, Fire Rescue crews can quickly identify STEMI patients, notify receiving hospitals and begin treatment before arriving at the hospital.
To earn the Gold Level designation, agencies must exceed 75 percent compliance in key performance measures for an entire year and demonstrate consistent, high-quality care for at least eight STEMI patients in a two-year period.
“This recognition reflects the dedication our department has to providing advanced medical care every day,” said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello. “When someone is experiencing a heart attack or stroke, every minute matters. Our crews work hard to ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.”
The award recognizes the department's ongoing commitment to excellence in emergency medical services and improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac emergencies.
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