2008 Events --> September 16, 2008

EMS crew saves man’s life with new program

Wayne County — Today, The Detroit/East Medical Control Authority (DEMCA) committee awarded an EMS crew this year’s Lifesaver of the Year award for the work they did this past summer while transporting a cardiac arrest patient to the hospital.

This past summer, Wayne County awarded (DEMCA) monies to equip EMS trucks with the Pre-Hospital 12 Lead EKG Program. This program links EMS providers with emergency center physicians. EMS providers can transmit a patient’s EKG en route to the hospital. This quick assessment gives pre-hospital notification to activate the internal emergency plan for a heart attack patient. The essential hospital staff is notified and is waiting at the ER for the patient to arrive.  

Wayne County provided needed funds to purchase the system. The County provided $400,000 from the department of Health and Human Services.
 
“Under the advisement of Benny Napoleon, Wayne County led the effort in acquiring this life-saving device,” said Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. “We are pleased that this program has already saved a life in Wayne County.”

On the second day that this program was implemented, a Detroit EMS responded to a call of a 52-year-old male having chest pain while mowing the grass. Because of the quick response from the EMS crew and the new Pre-Hospital 12 Lead EKG Program, the patient had no delays after arriving at St. John's. He immediately went to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. This new technology helped save his life.

"The future is here. We are now capable of establishing a patient's diagnosis in their home or en route to the hospital. In an industry where every second counts, this is truly a life-saving investment," said Jenny Atas, M.D., DEMCA Medical Director. "We thank Mr. Ficano and applaud his continued commitment to healthcare excellence for the residents of Wayne County.”