Sarasota County Fire Department Earns Gold-Level Heart Attack and Stroke Care Honors from AHA
The Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) has once again been distinguished by the American Heart Association, securing two of its most prestigious awards for emergency cardiovascular and stroke care:
- Mission: Lifeline® EMS – Gold with Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll
- Target: Stroke Honor Roll (new for 2025)
These accolades recognize the department’s unwavering dedication to delivering rapid, evidence-based treatment for acute chest pain, heart attacks and strokes—and underscore SCFD’s life-saving impact on the community.
Key Highlights
- Continuous Excellence: SCFD has earned the American Heart Association’s top EMS recognition every year since 2016.
- Focused Expertise: In 2024, cardiac and stroke emergencies represented 4% of all SCFD EMS calls.
- High-Volume Service: On average, SCFD transports more than 100 patients each day to local hospitals.
“It is through the incredible work of our Sarasota County Fire Department personnel and the collaboration from local hospitals that we have achieved this recognition,” said Fire Chief David Rathbun. “We remain dedicated to delivering the best possible care and are honored to be recognized once again.”
About the Mission: Lifeline EMS Program
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS program celebrates prehospital agencies that excel in heart attack and stroke response. By connecting every link in the chain of survival—prehospital providers, hospitals and rehabilitation services—the program drives quality improvement and helps save lives through:
- Evidence-Based Protocols
- Performance Measurement
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
“This recognition exemplifies the first-rate care SCFD provides to the community,” added Emergency Services Director Rich Collins. “Our personnel train every day to serve residents and visitors—and this award is proof of their hard work.”
For more information about SCFD’s programs and services, visit scgov.net/fire or dial 311.
About Sarasota County Fire Department
An internationally accredited, all-hazards response organization, SCFD protects life and property through fire prevention, suppression, emergency medical services and special operations across unincorporated Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota.
About Mission: Lifeline EMS®
Mission: Lifeline EMS® is the American Heart Association’s program recognizing prehospital emergency agencies for exceptional heart attack and stroke care. It emphasizes seamless integration of all care components—protocols, performance monitoring and quality improvement—to strengthen community health outcomes. For more details, visit heart.org.