Miami Beach Fire Department Introduces Pre-Hospital Care with Antibiotics for Sepsis Patients

Miami Beach, FL – In consultation with Medical Director Dr. Federick Keroff, the Miami Beach Fire Department has taken a groundbreaking step in emergency medical care by becoming the first emergency response agency in Miami-Dade County to equip all frontline units with pre-hospital antibiotic therapy for patients suspected of experiencing sepsis.

“In Miami Beach, public safety isn’t negotiable — it’s our top priority,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “This bold new protocol sends a clear message: our first responders are equipped to act fast, act smart, and act with authority. We will always back our paramedics with the tools they need to save lives and serve our community.”

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition in which the infection-fighting processes of the body cause organs to work improperly. The condition has a higher mortality rate than in the case of heart attacks, stroke and trauma. Studies confirm that every hour of delay in antibiotic administration increases hospital mortality by 4-8%, particularly in patients with septic shock. By initiating treatment before hospital arrival, Miami Beach paramedics can significantly shorten the time to care, improving survival rates and patient outcomes.

“Time is everything when it comes to medical care,” said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello. “By giving our crews the tools to begin lifesaving antibiotic therapy in the field, we are reinforcing Miami Beach's reputation as a leader in public safety and service delivery.”

Several studies demonstrate the effectiveness of prehospital antibiotic administration:
•    A Florida EMS study showed mortality among septic shock patients dropped from 15.8% to 6.8% with pre-hospital antibiotics.
•    Another found in-hospital mortality was reduced by nearly 70% in patients who received antibiotics before arrival.

“This initiative not only translates into measurable improvements in patient outcomes but also reflects Miami Beach’s unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge, evidence-based pre-hospital emergency care to the residents, visitors and guests of our community,” Chief Abello added.

###

To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).