Flagler County Fire Rescue has been awarded the American Heart Association’s “Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold” designation for 2026, marking the third year in a row the agency has earned a Gold-level recognition for its care of patients experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes.
A Consistent Record of Excellence
The agency earned Gold-level recognition in both 2024 and 2025, and received the Silver-level designation in 2023. The award is part of the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS program, a national initiative designed to improve and advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time-sensitive conditions such as severe heart attacks and strokes. The program supports coordinated care from the moment 9-1-1 is called, through EMS transport, and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.
Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker called the recognition a significant honor. “It is a great honor to receive this award,” Tucker said. “This is the third year we’ve been awarded at the Gold-level for the care we provide patients who are experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes. The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines in action every day, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
What Is a STEMI?
The award specifically focuses on care for patients experiencing a STEMI — a ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction — which is a heart attack caused by a completely blocked coronary artery and is considered the most severe type. Tucker explained what the term means in practice. “With heart tracing there is a particular area that is called the ST segment. When this segment is elevated, the person is said to have a STEMI,” he said. “This indicates the flow of oxygen-rich blood is being cut off to a section of the heart.”
The Target Heart Attack designation emphasizes coordinating care between prehospital agencies and the destination hospital. More information is available at www.heart.org.
Why Early EMS Response Matters
Fire Rescue Captain Jon Moscowitz explained why calling 9-1-1 rather than seeking a personal ride to the hospital can make a life-or-death difference. “Patients can receive medical care up to an hour sooner than someone who is driven to the hospital by a friend or relative,” Moscowitz said. “Paramedics are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. Patients who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital, because of earlier notification to Emergency Room staff of suspected heart attack or stroke.”
Tucker added that the recognition from the American Heart Association reflects the importance of prehospital providers’ contributions. “The American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS awards are an important way to recognize the crucial roles and performances of EMS personnel in stroke and cardiac patients’ care,” he said.
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